Melquizael Costa went on a tear last year, and he’ll carry that success into 2026.
Feb 21, 2026 • 11:27 ET
• 4 min read
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Melquizael Costa (blue gloves) during UFC 283 at Jeunesse Arena.
After winning all four fights last year, Melquizael Costa looks to make it six wins in a row on Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card against the battle-tested veteran Dan Ige — who is in danger of falling out of the featherweight Top 15 if he suffers another loss.
UFC odds have Costa as a -230 favorite, and my Ige vs. Costa predictions agree with the books.
Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa prediction and best bet
Fight analysis
Melquizael Costa has won his last five fights and is showing the type of dynamic skills that signal he’s a legitimate contender at featherweight.
However, he’ll be tested by the division’s resident truthmaker in Dan Ige, but Ige is starting to show the wear of a long career.
Costa’s recent run has demonstrated he’s coming into his own. His grappling and submission game is undoubtedly his primary weapon, but he’s demonstrated improved striking to round out his game and continue his hot streak.
Costa is coming off a head-kick-induced stoppage of Morgan Charriere in his last fight and has plenty of momentum behind him, and he’ll need to measure his energy against the durable and well-conditioned Ige.
Ige is a division mainstay who is good enough to beat the unworthy, but he’s starting to fade after a long career full of grueling fights.
A technical striker with excellent boxing skills and some back-pocket wrestling for defense, Ige does his best when he can effectively pressure his opponents and keep the fight standing.
If he hits the ground or can’t get into a striking rhythm, he’ll likely lose the fight. Ige is coming off a decision loss to Patricio Pitbull, where he was taken down five times and was fighting to Pitbull’s beat.
In most cases, Ige always has a chance to win because he’s a skilled striker, but he’s slowing down and cannot defend takedowns. Costa may not be as refined on his feet as Ige, but he can make things hard for him by mixing up his attack and using his athleticism to put Ige on the mat and slow him down on the feet.
Best bet analysis
Though Costa is an aggressive submission artist and averages nine minutes of fight time in the UFC, Ige is durable and hard to stop.
He may get put on the mat, but he can defend himself well when he gets there and often finds his way back on his feet. Costa will outhustle the aging Ige, but won’t stop him.
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Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa odds
Method of Victory
Ige
Costa
To win outright
+190
-230
To win by KO/TKO
+400
+800
To win by decision
+550
-145
To win by submission
+1550
+1350
Draw
+5000
+5000
Odds as of 2-21.
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Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa tale of the tape
Ige
Costa
34
Age
29
5-foot-7
Height
5-foot-10
Featherweight
Weight Class
Featherweight
71 inches
Reach
71 inches
19-10
Record
25-7
7
Wins by KO
8
5
Wins by submission
8
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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