Overview
- Dan Ige meets Melquizael Costa on Saturday at UFC Houston at Toyota Center, with the matchup confirmed as part of the weekend card.
- Ige, preparing for his 21st UFC appearance, downplayed his narrow loss to Patricio Freire and attributed it to a brief first‑round control lapse.
- Ige outlined a pressure-first plan, saying he must close distance and deny Costa the long-range kickboxing where the Brazilian thrives.
- Costa enters on a five-fight win streak with a 6-2 UFC mark, predicted a finish inside three rounds, and has embraced the nickname “The Dalmatian” tied to his vitiligo.
- DraftKings odds reported by ClutchPoints list Costa as the favorite at -205 with Ige at +170, reflecting market confidence in the Brazilian’s recent form.