UFC Houston MMA Match Preview: Dan Ige (19-10-0) vs. Melquizael Costa (25-7-0)
Event Overview
The UFC returns to Houston for an exciting Fight Night card headlined by a middleweight clash between former champion Sean Strickland and surging contender Anthony Hernandez. The event features a blend of ranked contenders and rising prospects, with a key featherweight main card bout between Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa highlighting the night. This marks the UFC’s first visit to Houston since 2023, expecting a lively crowd in a venue known for its passionate MMA atmosphere.
- Venue Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas, United States. This arena accommodates up to 19,000 fans for MMA events, with modern amenities and a history of hosting memorable UFC cards.
- Prelims start at 5:00 PM ET (2:00 PM PST), with the main card at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PST). The Ige vs. Costa bout is on the main card, anticipated around 9:00-10:00 PM ET, streaming on Paramount+.
Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported for Dan Ige or Melquizael Costa heading into this matchup. Ige’s last bout in July 2025 resulted in a unanimous decision loss to Patricio Pitbull, with no noted injuries. Costa concluded 2025 with a first-round knockout win over Morgan Charriere in December, appearing fully recovered and in peak form. Both fighters, aged 34 and 29 respectively, enter without disclosed setbacks, though Ige’s recent string of decisions could indicate durability concerns in prolonged fights.
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Fighter Matchups: Dan Ige vs. Melquizael CostaThis featherweight main card bout matches Ige’s veteran experience and knockout power against Costa’s athleticism and finishing ability. Ige’s compact striking could exploit Costa’s occasional defensive lapses, while Costa’s reach and grappling might force a ground game. Expect a high-paced fight with a 55% chance of going the distance, given both fighters’ durability.
Fighter Profiles and Recent Form
Dan Ige (“50K”)
- Record: 19-10-0
- Age: 34
- Height/Reach: 5’7″ / 71″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Knockout power (7 KOs); first-round finishes (7); UFC tenure with wins over ranked foes.
- Weaknesses: Recent inconsistency (2-3 in last 5); vulnerable to decisions against grapplers.
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Jul 19, 2025 | Patricio Pitbull | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Apr 12, 2025 | Sean Woodson | Win | TKO (Punches) | 3 / 1:12 |
| Oct 26, 2024 | Lerone Murphy | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Jun 29, 2024 | Diego Lopes | Loss | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Feb 10, 2024 | Andre Fili | Win | KO (Punch) | 1 / 2:43 |
Ige is 2-3 in his last five, alternating wins and losses, but his knockouts show finishing potential.
Melquizael Costa (“The Dalmatian”)
- Record: 25-7-0
- Age: 29
- Height/Reach: 5’10” / 72″
- Stance: Southpaw
- Strengths: Versatile finisher (8 KOs, 8 subs); five-fight win streak; first-round finishes (10).
- Weaknesses: Early UFC losses highlight adjustment period; striking absorption (44%).
Recent Form (Last 5 Fights):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round/Time |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Morgan Charriere | Win | KO (Head Kick) | 1 / 1:14 |
| May 17, 2025 | Julian Erosa | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Mar 29, 2025 | Christian Rodriguez | Win | Unanimous Decision | 3 / 5:00 |
| Feb 22, 2025 | Andre Fili | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | 1 / 4:30 |
| Jun 1, 2024 | Shayilan Nuerdanbieke | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 3 / 4:06 |
Costa rides a five-fight win streak, mixing finishes and decisions against quality opposition.
Fight History
This is the first encounter between Ige and Costa. No prior matchups or shared opponents offer direct insights, but Costa’s recent win over Andre Fili (whom Ige also defeated) suggests stylistic parallels in grappling-heavy bouts.
FIGHT ODDS
Dan Ige + 165
Melquizael Costa – 200
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, February 20, 2026
