UFC’s featherweight division is currently the most challenging in combat sports, brimming with world-class talent from champion Alexander Volkanovski down to the lower-ranked contenders. Arnold Allen, ranked seventh, demonstrated his capability against the elite at 145 pounds on Saturday night by defeating a strong Melquizael Costa.
Allen has a proven track record in the division, having faced top contenders like Movsar Evloev and Max Holloway, pushing both to their limits. His recent victory over Costa at UFC Vegas 117 further cemented his status as a formidable opponent, proving too strong for his opponent in all aspects of the fight.
Despite Allen’s talent and experience, his seventh-place ranking highlights the depth of the featherweight class. He is undoubtedly one of the significant players in this “shark tank.” Potential future matchups against fighters like Diego Lopes, Aljamain Sterling, or Yair Rodriguez would undoubtedly be exciting spectacles, potentially serving as main events for Fight Night cards.
Arnold Allen: A Proven Contender in a Deep Featherweight Division
The featherweight division in the UFC is currently considered the most competitive weight class in combat sports. It’s packed with elite talent from top to bottom, including the undisputed champion Alexander Volkanovski and many other world-class fighters.
Arnold Allen, who holds the number seven spot in the featherweight rankings, proved on Saturday night that he belongs among the very best in the world at 145 pounds. He defeated a resurgent Melquizael Costa in the main event of UFC Vegas 117 at the Meta APEX. The fight went the full distance, and while Costa put up a valiant effort, Allen proved to be the superior fighter, showcasing his strength across the board.
Allen’s history in the division speaks volumes about his capabilities. He has previously gone toe-to-toe with current number-one contender Movsar Evloev, arguably giving him his toughest challenge. He also had a thrilling main event bout against former featherweight champion Max Holloway a couple of years ago, pushing him to his limits. Allen is a proven talent, and no opponent has an easy fight against him.
For a fighter as skilled, well-rounded, and battle-tested as Allen to be ranked seventh is a testament to the sheer depth of the featherweight division in 2026. It’s a true “shark tank,” and while Allen may not be the most vocal, he is undoubtedly one of the dominant forces within it. A stylistic clash with Diego Lopes would be an instant classic, but given Lopes’ upcoming fight, matchups against Aljamain Sterling or Yair Rodriguez would make sense from a rankings perspective.
Sterling has recently secured wins over Brian Ortega and Youssef Zalal, and likely deserves an opponent ranked higher. However, a fight between Allen and Rodriguez promises fireworks and would be an ideal main event for a Fight Night, potentially in Mexico or the UK.
