Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa are set to headline UFC Vegas 117 in a key featherweight clash on Sat., May 16, 2026, at the Meta Apex facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The matchup will serve as the main event for the UFC card and is considered important for the division rankings, with expectations of a fan-friendly bout that could earn a performance bonus.
Allen acknowledged the unique spotlight on the event, which airs opposite a high-profile Netflix combat sports stream headlined by Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano and also featuring Francis Ngannou, Nate Diaz, and Mike Perry. "The fact it’s me and Melky headlining against them, I don’t think UFC is really trying to compete," Allen said.
"Not trying to put me and Melky down, but let’s be real: star power. Like, they ain’t trying to compete. They’re not going to try to compete with that. I don’t think they really care. I know [fans] have a vested interest in it, but I know what fight I’d rather watch. I’m not going to talk sh*t, but let’s be real. This is two guys in our primes, at the height of MMA. It’s at Meta APEX. That kind of blows, but the fight itself is sick."
