UFC Fight Night takes place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday 16 May (early hours of Sunday the 17th of May in South Africa) with a featherweight bout headlining the event as Arnold Allen takes on surging Brazilian contender Melquizael Costa. We cover the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the Main Card from a betting front below.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
ARNOLD ALLEN vs MELQUIZAEL COSTA
Featherweight – Main Event:
Arnold Allen enters this headline clash holding a UFC record of 11 wins and 3 losses. The Englishman remains one of the most experienced contenders in the division with well-rounded striking, solid movement and proven durability against elite opposition.
He heads into this matchup after suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Jean Silva in January 2026. Prior to that he returned to winning ways with a convincing decision victory over Giga Chikadze after losing his three fights before that.
Melquizael Costa arrives in Las Vegas with a tally of 7 wins and 2 losses under the organisation and has rapidly emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers both on the feet and on the canvas. He carries strong momentum into his first UFC main event appearance currently riding a six fight winning streak.
Costa most recently knocked out Dan Ige late in the opening round in February 2026 after previously stopping Morgan Charrière inside two minutes of the bout. Before that he earned back-to-back decision victories over Julian Erosa and Christian Rodriguez while also submitting Andre Fili and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
BETTING – click here to bet
Allen 1.77
Costa 2.10
PREDICTION:
Allen possesses the experience edge and has consistently competed against top featherweights, however Costa enters this contest with serious momentum and confidence. The Brazilian’s aggression and finishing ability could trouble Allen early but his composure and overall fight IQ should help him manage the danger across the rounds. I am expecting Allen to weather the early pressure and secure a decision victory.
DOOHO CHOI vs DANIEL SANTOS
Featherweight – Main Card Bout:
Dooho Choi enters this matchup with a record of 5 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw inside the promotion. The Korean striker is known for his explosive boxing and knockout ability and he appears to have regained momentum after several years away from the Octagon since his comeback in 2023.
Since then he has picked up consecutive knockout victories over Nate Landwehr and Bill Algeo during 2024 while prior to that he fought to a draw against Kyle Nelson.
Daniel Santos possesses a resume of 4 wins and 1 loss inside the UFC and has quietly put together an impressive run through the division. The Brazilian combines aggressive forward pressure with solid striking combinations and has shown improved composure in recent appearances.
He most recently stopped JooSang Yoo in the second round in October 2025 after earlier decision victories over JeongYeong Lee and Johnny Munoz. Before that Santos secured a stoppage victory against John Castaneda while his lone UFC defeat came against Julio Arce back in 2022 where a dropped the fight via points.
BETTING – click here to bet
Choi 2.45
Santos 1.59
PREDICTION:
Choi carries dangerous power and fast combinations while Santos offers pressure and a more balanced overall approach. Although Choi’s improved form and finishing ability make him a serious threat he has not fought since late 2024. On the other hand, Santos has been on a decent unbeaten run and I believe his pace will help him secure another knockout within the distance.
MALCOLM WELLMAKER vs JUAN DIAZ
Bantamweight – Main Card Bout:
Malcolm Wellmaker enters this clash holding a UFC record of 2 wins and 1 loss. The American has quickly made an impression with his aggressive style and knockout power despite still being early into his UFC journey.
He suffered his first defeat in November 2025 when he dropped a unanimous decision to Ethyn Ewing while before that he had secured consecutive first-round knockout victories over Kris Moutinho and Cameron Saaiman.
Juan Diaz makes his UFC debut after building momentum outside the organisation and arrives with an overall professional record of 15 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw. He captured attention through strong performances in Lux Fight League before earning his UFC opportunity through Dana White’s Contender Series.
Diaz most recently knocked out Kwon Won ll in the second round on the Contender Series in October 2025. Prior to that he defended his Lux Fight League championship with victories over Uriel Cossio and José Roura while also picking up wins against Abraham Nava, Luis Guerrero and Irvin Amaya during his rise through the promotion.
BETTING – click here to bet
Wellmaker 1.36
Diaz 3.25
PREDICTION:
Wellmaker possesses real knockout power and could be dangerous in the opening exchanges as he has proved in the past. Diaz appears to be the more complete fighter overall due to is ability on the canvas coupled with his brutal striking but he will be under massive pressure as the fight begins. I think that Wellmaker will come out firing and land some heavy blows to claim an early knockout victory.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Allen vs Costa
Arnold Allen by Decision at 3.00
Choi vs Santos
Daniel Santos by Knockout at 4.00
Wellmaker vs Diaz
Wellmaker by Knockout at 2.50
The Treble works out to 30.00 and if you want to join me you can use this code to populate your bet slip 6441050
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
