The UFC’s curtain-closer for 2025 at the Apex features a flyweight showdown between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape headlining, with a featherweight prelim gem pitting French knockout artist Morgan Charriere against Brazilian grappler Melquizael Costa. Charriere eyes his third straight UFC win to crack the Top 15, while Costa rebounds from a skid in a striker-vs.-wrestler test that could explode early. This 12-fight card ends the ESPN era with international flavor and finish potential. Below is a comprehensive preview, honing in on Charriere vs. Costa, alongside event deets and wagering intel.
Injury Report
As of December 9, 2025, the card’s solid, with Charriere vs. Costa greenlit. Charriere (25) is 100% post his September TKO (cleared scans), and Costa enters fresh off a full camp (no tweaks since his July loss). The docket’s stable: Royval’s head knocks managed, November prelim hiccup fixed.
Fighter Matchups: Morgan Charriere vs. Melquizael Costa (Featherweight, 3 Rounds)
Prelim fireworks brew as Charriere’s crisp boxing meets Costa’s wrestling pressure in a balanced scrap. Charriere (5.1 significant strikes/min, 62% KO rate) picks apart foes with combos and counters, sporting 72% takedown defense. Costa (2.4 takedowns/15 min, 50% sub rate) chains shots for top control, but absorbs 4.2 strikes/min standing. At 25 vs. 28, youth parity; Charriere’s 71″ reach tops Costa’s 70″—feather prelims finish 60%; model pegs 65% standup KO, Charriere’s accuracy tilting it.
Morgan “The Last Pirate” Charriere (20-10-1, Rouen, France; Age: 25; Height: 5’9″; Reach: 71″; Stance: Orthodox)
Out of Team Irons, Charriere’s a technical sniper with 12 KOs, blending footwork and power hooks. His volume overwhelms, but ground tests linger.
Melquizael “Melk” Costa (14-1-0, Belem, Brazil; Age: 28; Height: 5’8″; Reach: 70″; Stance: Orthodox)
Training at Chute Boxe Diego Lima, Costa’s a finisher (7 TKOs/subs) with explosive entries. Durable early, but decisions expose cardio gaps.
Key Styles Clash: Charriere’s distance management vs. Costa’s level changes. Charriere’s 3-1 UFC run edges Costa’s 1-1; Costa’s power threatens if close—projection: Charriere stuffs takedowns for a mid-round TKO.
Recent Form
Charriere’s on a heater with finishes, Costa seeks reset from a dip.
| Fighter | Last 5 Fights | Form Notes |
| Morgan Charriere | W-TKO2 (Onama, Sep 2025) W-UD3 (Javid, Mar 2025) W-KO1 (Smith, Oct 2024) L-TKO3 (Evloev, May 2024) W-KO2 (Regional, 2023) | 3-1 streak; 67% KOs in wins. UFC 3-1; elite accuracy (52%), but Evloev exposed wrestling. Camp drills sprawls. |
| Melquizael Costa | L-UD3 (Lima, Jul 2025) W-TKO1 (Tucker, Feb 2025) L-KO1 (Silva, Oct 2024) W-Sub2 (Regional, 2024) W-KO3 (Regional, 2023) | 1-2 skid; 100% finishes in wins. UFC 1-1; strong entries but volume vulnerable. Refining striking post-losses. |
Fight History
Morgan Charriere (Pro Debut: 2018): French circuit (100% FC) to UFC 2023 (3-1 UFC). Total fight time: ~85 minutes across 31 bouts. Strengths: Striking def. (58%), KO threat (60%). Weaknesses: Subs (20% losses), ground time (2/3 UFC decisions).
Melquizael Costa (Pro Debut: 2019): Brazilian regionals (Jungle Fight) to UFC 2024 (1-1). Total fight time: ~48 minutes across 15 bouts. Strengths: TD acc. (45%), finishes (93%). Weaknesses: Cardio (2 DEC losses), reach disadvantage.
FIGHT ODDS
Morgan Charriere – 150
Melquizael Costa + 130
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
