British featherweight Arnold Allen is scheduled for his second fight of 2026, headlining an event at the Meta APEX in May. The fighter humorously recounted the moment he received the offer to step back into the octagon.
“I literally had fish and chips,” Allen disclosed, explaining that his manager called him with the question, “Do you want to fight in nine weeks?” After a quick check of his weight and some thought, Allen enthusiastically accepted the bout, expressing his eagerness to compete again.
This upcoming fight follows his appearance at UFC 324 in January, where he faced Jean Silva in a closely contested bout that resulted in a disappointing decision loss. That fight marked his return after an 18-month absence due to injury. Allen, who has historically battled inactivity in his career, aims to make 2026 a year of consistent competition.
Currently ranked number 8 in the featherweight division with only one victory in his last four outings, Allen is under pressure to defend his position against the division’s rising stars. He spoke about his next opponent, Melquizael Costa, with respect for his recent performances.
“Mate, he’s surging, he is going to be confident,” Allen stated regarding Costa. “He just knocked out a guy that’s never been finished. Dan [Ige]’s a tough guy and he took him out with a sick back kick, so yeah I’m excited for the challenge. Another southpaw, so it’s a scrappy fight, a bit awkward, but yeah man, it’s going to be a fight.”
Costa enters this fight with significant momentum, boasting a 7-2 record in the UFC, including an impressive six-fight win streak with four finishes. Known for his dynamic performances and high activity (having competed five times since February 2025), the Brazilian is widely regarded as a future star. Beyond his exciting fighting style and distinctive multi-colored hair, Costa also openly embraces his vitiligo, using his platform to inspire children living with the condition.
