Arnold Allen returned to the win column in impressive fashion Saturday night, defeating Melquizael Costa by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Vegas 117 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Allen controlled the featherweight contest from start to finish, earning scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46. The British contender consistently landed clean straight left hands while showcasing his wrestling dominance by completing all seven of his takedown attempts.
Costa entered the fight riding a six-fight winning streak, including notable victories over Andre Fili and Dan Ige, but Allen’s experience against elite featherweight competition proved to be the difference throughout the bout.
The victory is an important bounce-back moment for Allen, who had lost three of his previous four fights against top-ranked opponents including Max Holloway, Movsar Evloev, and Jean Silva.
Despite the dominant performance, Allen avoided calling out any future opponents after the fight, instead saying he is focused on starting a family with his wife.
UFC Vegas 117 Main Card Results
- Featherweight: Arnold Allen def. Melquizael Costa via unanimous decision
- Featherweight: Dooho Choi def. Daniel Santos via second-round TKO
- Bantamweight: Juan Diaz def. Malcolm Wellmaker via rear-naked choke submission
- Bantamweight: Bernardo Sopaj def. Timmy Cuamba via rear-naked choke submission
- Welterweight: Khaos Williams def. Nikolay Veretennikov via first-round TKO