Melquizael Costa made waves at UFC Fight Night 252 with his spectacular submission victory over veteran fighter Andre Fili. The event, held at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, on February 22, 2025, showcased Costa's prowess as he choked out Fili with a guillotine at 4:30 of Round 1, marking the biggest win of his career to date.
The fight was eagerly anticipated, with both Costa and Fili aiming to extend their current winning streaks. While the younger Costa entered with significant momentum, having just secured back-to-back victories, Fili came with vast experience and determination, having fought at the highest levels of MMA for nearly 12 years. The narrative was clear: the seasoned veteran against the rising star.
From the bell, both fighters exhibited aggressive tactics. Costa circled the octagon and exchanged kicks with Fili, who was calculated yet proactive. Near the three-minute mark, Fili swaggered forward, delivering a near-miss head kick. This was quickly followed by his successful takedown of Costa, establishing him on top.
Yet, Costa displayed remarkable resilience. While Fili maintained control, Costa sought to reverse the situation, slipping his arm around Fili’s neck and transitioning to secure the guillotine choke. What seemed like Fili's moment of dominance quickly turned teetering as Costa pulled the choke tighter. The pressure intensified, and within moments, Fili found himself unable to escape the grip. Distraught and forced to submit, he tapped out, marking yet another setback for the 34-year-old!
Post-fight, Costa expressed his admiration for Fili, stating, "It was an honor to fight Andre Fili; as a child, I watched him fight former featherweight champion Max Holloway and had tremendous respect for him." This victory propelled Costa's record to 3-2 within the UFC and demonstrated his potential as he collects two consecutive submission wins, eleviating him within the featherweight ranks.
Looking at his history, Costa, who began fighting professionally just five years ago, proved he is more than ready for the spotlight he found himself under. His training camp, conducted at the Brazilian Martial Arts Center alongside notable training partners, set the stage for what he accomplished in the octagon. All the hard work paid off, not only through the win but through the confidence gained fighting someone of Fili's caliber.
Fili, on the other hand, moves to 3-3 over his last six fights, alternating wins and losses. His record of 24-12 reflects the tough road he has walked, but now he finds himself facing uncertainty. Following this emotional defeat, it raises questions about Filip's future direction and potential changes needed as he navigates the latter stages of his career.
UFC Fight Night 252's undercard also heated up with memorable matches. Fighters like Mansur Abdul-Malik and Ricky Simon poised notable finishes alongside fierce bouts, showing the depth of talent present on the fight night card beyond the main events. Costa's win, being particularly significant, epitomizes the fluidity of the sport—where new challengers emerge, and seasoned veterans must adapt or risk being left behind.
Both Costa’s submission and Fili’s loss serve as poignant reminders of MMA's unpredictable nature. Costa undoubtedly now has expectations resting upon him to perform against increasingly formidable opponents. For Fili, this fight highlights the resilience needed to come back and potentially adjust tactics going forward. UFC Fight Night 252 solidified Costa's position as someone to watch, ensuring the crowd will eagerly await his next bout.