Arnold Allen is back in the win column.
On Saturday, Allen headlined UFC Vegas 117, taking on rising contender Melquizael Costa in a pivotal featherweight contest. Having lost three of his past four fights, Allen’s back was against the wall against the man on a six-fight winning streak, but that didn’t bother the 32-year-old Englishman, who showed renewed aggression and veteran savvy to outwork Costa over 25 minutes.
Allen came out aggressively, pushing Costa back to the fence and landing his left
hand repeatedly. In the first round, Allen even dropped Costa with that left hand, spinning him to the floor before pouncing on him with punches and elbows. Costa battled back, landing his kicks liberally, but Allen simply pressed through Costa’s offense and kept lighting him up with the left hand.
As they moved into the championship rounds, Allen’s veteran experience took over, mixing the martial arts and continuing to land with the left hand. By the time the final bell sounded, it was clear Allen had secured the victory and repelled the young contender.
After the fight, Allen lamented going to another decision and declared his hope to run things back with Movsar Evloev for the featherweight title.
“F*ck these decisions, man,” Allen said in his post-fight interview. “I’ve been f*cked in the ass so many times with these decisions, and I’m sick of it. I thought I was getting f*cked again right there. But f*ck, I’ve got some rematches. Movsar, win that title, I want your ass back, boy!”
Check out the full UFC Vegas 117 results below.
Main card
Arnold Allen def. Melquizael Costa via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 49-46)
Doo Ho Choi def. Daniel Santos via TKO – Round 2, 4:29
Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker via submission (RNC) – Round 2, 4:08
Modestas Bukauskas def. Christian Edwards via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bernando Sopaj def. Timothy Cumaba via submission (RNC) – Round 2, 2:25
Khaos Williams def. Nikolay Veretennikov via TKO – Round 1, 3:31
Prelims
Ivan Erslan def. Tuco Tokkos via decision (29-28 x3)
Tommy Gantt def. Artur Minev via TKO – Round 2, 2:51
Ketlen Vieira def. Jacqueline Cavalcanti via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Cody Brundage def. Andre Petroski via TKO – Round 2, 0:44
Alice Ardelean def. Pollyanna Viana via submission (capsule lock) – Round 2, 4:36 | Watch Finish
Luis Gurule def. Daniel Barez via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Nicolle Caliari def. Shauna Bannon via submission (head & arm choke) – Round 3, 3:08
