Andre Fili vs Melquizael Costa: Predictions, Analysis, and Breakdown

The main event of the UFC Fight Card in the United States features Andre Fili vs Melquizael Costa. Here’s what to know—and who might be a good bet.

Fighters Profiles and Strength

Andre Fili

Andre Fili fights out of Sacramento, California. He is currently on an MMA streak. His professional career started in 2009 at Gladiator Challenge (GC), where he fought three times. He won all three fights by knockout against Anthony Motley, Cain Campos, and Justin Smitley. In 2012, he moved to the West Coast Fighting Championship (WCFC) and won three more fights. His UFC debut came on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos 3. He fought Jeremy Larsen on the preliminary card and won by TKO in the second round.

Fili’s second UFC fight was against Max Holloway in the featherweight division. He lost via guillotine choke submission. In 2015, he earned Performance of the Night at UFC Fight Night 78 after knocking out Gabriel Benítez with a head kick and punches in the first round. Another Performance of the Night came at UFC on ESPN+ 13, where he defeated Sheymon Moraes with a right hook and ground and pound in the first round. Fili is currently ranked 29th in the MMA featherweight division.

Melquizael Costa

Melquizael Costa has a professional MMA record of 21 wins and 7 losses. He fights out of Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil, and is ranked 80th in the featherweight division. He turned pro in 2014 with a win over Benjamin Pantoja. In 2016, he defeated Jonas dos Santos at the Revelation Fighting Championship and Severino Ramalho at the Strike Fighting Championship.

In 2022, Costa joined the Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) and fought twice, winning once. His win came against Ángel Rodríguez, earning him the Predator FC Featherweight Championship. He signed with the UFC in 2023 and has fought four times, recording two wins and two losses. His UFC debut was at UFC 283: Teixeira vs. Hill, where he lost to Thiago Moisés via rear-naked choke submission.

However, in UFC Fight Night, he has two wins and one loss. He secured victories over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (rear-naked choke submission) and Austin Lingo (unanimous decision).

What time is the fight?

The fight kicks off live at 6:00 pm. ET this Saturday.

Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington, United States

SHOP: Ultimate T8 Boxing Gloves

How can I Watch It?

If you’re interested, you can watch it on ESPN+ Pay-per-view.

Statistical Matchup

CATEGORY	ANDRE FILI	MELQUIZAEL COSTA
AGE	34	28
HEIGHT	5’11”	5’10”
REACH	74.0″	71.0″
RECORD	24-11-0	21-7-0
FIGHTING FROM	Sacramento, California, United States	Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Final Prediction

Andre Fili has spent over a decade in the UFC, with 23 fights under his belt. His experience gives him an advantage in high-pressure moments. He knows how to adjust mid-fight and use different strategies. That could be a key factor against Costa, who has less UFC experience.

Costa recently submitted Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, proving he can finish fights against tough opponents. That ability will be important against a veteran like Fili. Costa also has better striking accuracy, landing 46% of his significant strikes compared to Fili’s 37%. This gives him an edge in stand-up exchanges.

Their featherweight fight at UFC Seattle is a classic matchup of experience versus rising talent. Fili’s background makes him dangerous, but Costa’s hunger and improving skills make this a close fight.

MELQUIZAEL COSTA TO WIN BY POINTS

MELQUIZAEL COSTA TO WIN

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS