Arnold Allen wins scrappy decision over Melquizael Costa in main event of UFC Vegas 117

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 16: Arnold Allen of England reacts after a victory against Melquizael Costa of Brazil in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on May 16, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC) 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.