T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A high‑stakes light heavyweight matchup hits the UFC 117 prelims as Croatian powerhouse Ivan Erslan meets explosive British‑Congolese finisher Tuco Tokkos. Both men are entering their physical primes, both bring serious knockout power, and both are looking to break into the UFC’s top‑20 conversation. Stylistically, this is a classic clash of technical pressure vs. explosive athleticism — and it has real potential to be the most violent fight of the prelim slate.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Prelims Start: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Erslan vs. Tokkos: Expected around 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Ivan Erslan

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at ATT Zagreb
• Focus on pressure footwork, defensive wrestling, and straight‑line boxing
• Coaches emphasize not overcommitting on entries against Tokkos’ counters

Tuco Tokkos

• Minor hamstring tightness early in camp — fully cleared
• Camp at London Shootfighters
• Emphasis on explosive striking, reactive takedowns, and cage‑cutting
• Added more clinch defense to avoid Erslan’s pressure sequences

Both fighters enter healthy and fully prepared for a high‑impact matchup.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Ivan Erslan — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 3 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Loss: 1 KO
• Trend: Strong pressure, clean boxing, improving takedown defense

Tuco Tokkos — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO, 1 submission
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: Explosive early, dangerous in scrambles, inconsistent pacing

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Erslan: Technical boxing, sharp jab, strong combinations
• Tokkos: Explosive power, wild but dangerous blitzes Edge: Erslan (technique), Tokkos (power)

Grappling

• Erslan: Good defensive wrestling, strong clinch control
• Tokkos: Strong offensive wrestling, explosive double‑leg Edge: Tokkos

Cardio

• Erslan: Good 3‑round engine, steady pace
• Tokkos: Excellent early, fades if forced backward Edge: Erslan

Fight IQ

• Erslan: Disciplined, patient, tactical
• Tokkos: High‑risk, high‑reward style Edge: Erslan

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Ivan Erslan’s UFC Trajectory

• Former KSW standout
• Known for clean striking and strong pressure
• A win likely puts him on the radar for ranked opponents

Tuco Tokkos’ UFC Trajectory

• Explosive athlete with real finishing upside
• UFC sees him as a potential dark‑horse contender
• A win over Erslan would be his biggest UFC moment to date

BETTING TRENDS

Ivan Erslan Trends

• 4 of last 5 wins by KO
• 3–0 when landing 40+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when taken down 3+ times

Tuco Tokkos Trends

• 6 of last 8 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–1 when securing a takedown in Round 1
• 0–3 when fights go past Round 2

Matchup Trends

• Erslan thrives in long-range boxing exchanges
• Tokkos thrives in chaos and early pressure
• Whoever controls the first 5 minutes likely dictates the fight

FIGHT ODDS

Ivan Erslan                          – 165

Tuco Tokkos                       + 145

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A gritty welterweight showdown lands on the UFC 117 prelims as veteran technician Nicolas Dalby meets explosive powerhouse Jeremiah Wells. This is a classic clash of durability and experience vs. athleticism and finishing danger. Dalby brings a decade of high‑level cage time and a reputation for being nearly impossible to put away, while Wells brings raw strength, explosive entries, and fight‑ending power.

This matchup has real implications for the middle tier of the welterweight division.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Prelims Start: 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Dalby vs. Wells: Expected around 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Nicolas Dalby

• No reported injuries
• Camp at Rumble Sports (Denmark)
• Focus on movement, defensive grappling, and high‑volume striking
• Coaches emphasize avoiding early firefights

Jeremiah Wells

• Recovered from minor back tightness early in camp
• Camp at Renzo Gracie Philly
• Emphasis on explosive entries, cage pressure, and top‑control endurance
• Added more striking defense to avoid counter shots

Both fighters enter healthy and with full camps behind them.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Nicolas Dalby — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 decisions, 1 TKO
• Losses: 2 decisions
• Trend: Durable, consistent, strong late‑fight performer

Jeremiah Wells — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 submissions, 1 KO
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: Fast starter, explosive, dangerous in scrambles

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Dalby: High volume, good kicks, strong cardio pace
• Wells: Explosive power, blitz entries, heavy hooks Edge: Dalby (volume), Wells (power)

Grappling

• Dalby: Solid defensive grappling, good scrambles
• Wells: Strong wrestling, heavy top control, dangerous submissions Edge: Wells

Cardio

• Dalby: Excellent 3‑round engine
• Wells: Strong early, fades if forced to wrestle too much Edge: Dalby

Fight IQ

• Dalby: Veteran savvy, good at stealing rounds
• Wells: High‑risk, high‑reward style Edge: Dalby

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Nicolas Dalby’s UFC Trajectory

• Longtime veteran with wins over tough competition
• Known for durability and late‑fight surges
• A win keeps him in the welterweight middle tier

Jeremiah Wells’ UFC Trajectory

• Explosive finisher with strong grappling
• Inconsistent but dangerous
• A win puts him back on track toward ranked opponents

BETTING TRENDS

Nicolas Dalby Trends

• 7 of last 9 fights have gone to decision
• 4–1 when landing 60+ significant strikes
• 0–3 when taken down 3+ times

Jeremiah Wells Trends

• 6 of last 8 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–0 when securing 2+ takedowns
• 0–2 when fights go to Round 3

Matchup Trends

• Dalby thrives in long fights
• Wells thrives in chaos and early pressure
• Whoever dictates pace likely wins

FIGHT ODDS

Nicolas Dalby                     – 115

Jeremiah Wells                 – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A violent welterweight collision is set for UFC 117 as knockout machine Khaos Williams meets technical Kazakh striker Nikolay Veretennikov. Both men are dangerous, both carry real finishing power, and both are looking to break into the division’s top‑20 mix. Stylistically, this is a pure striker’s duel — but with very different approaches: Williams brings explosive chaos, while Veretennikov brings calculated precision.

This is one of the most volatile matchups on the card.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Main Card Start: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Williams vs. Veretennikov: Expected around 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Khaos Williams

• No reported injuries
• Camp at Murcielago MMA
• Focus on footwork, counter‑right hand, and defensive grappling
• Coaches emphasize patience — not over‑swinging early

Nikolay Veretennikov

• Minor shoulder tightness early in camp — fully cleared
• Camp at Kazakhstan Top Team with U.S. striking partners
• Emphasis on distance management, feints, and body kicks
• Added more wrestling defense to avoid clinch exchanges

Both fighters enter healthy and fully prepared.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Khaos Williams — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Losses: 2 decisions
• Trend: Explosive power, inconsistent volume, dangerous in Rounds 1–2

Nikolay Veretennikov — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 3 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Loss: 1 decision
• Trend: Technical striking, strong body work, excellent timing

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Williams: Nuclear power, blitz entries, devastating right hand
• Veretennikov: Clean kickboxing, sharp counters, strong body kicks Edge: Williams (power), Veretennikov (technique)

Grappling

• Williams: Strong clinch, explosive sprawls
• Veretennikov: Solid defensive grappling, limited offensive wrestling Edge: Even

Cardio

• Williams: Good early, slows if forced to chase
• Veretennikov: Better long‑range cardio, strong late rounds Edge: Veretennikov

Fight IQ

• Williams: Can get wild in exchanges
• Veretennikov: More composed, better at controlling pace Edge: Veretennikov

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Khaos Williams’ UFC Trajectory

• One of the division’s most dangerous punchers
• Known for highlight‑reel knockouts
• A win puts him back into the top‑20 conversation

Nikolay Veretennikov’s UFC Trajectory

• A polished striker with strong regional credentials
• UFC sees him as a potential dark‑horse contender
• A win over Williams would be his biggest UFC moment

BETTING TRENDS

Khaos Williams Trends

• 7 career UFC knockdowns
• 4 of last 6 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–0 when landing a knockdown
• 0–3 when out‑struck by 20+ significant strikes

Nikolay Veretennikov Trends

• 5 of last 7 wins by KO
• 3–1 when landing 40+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when pressured heavily early

Matchup Trends

• Williams is most dangerous in the first 7 minutes
• Veretennikov thrives when he can control range
• Whoever dictates distance likely wins

FIGHT ODDS

Khaos Williams                – 112

Nikolay Veretennikov    – 108

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A high‑energy featherweight matchup opens the UFC 117 card as Albanian pressure‑fighter Benardo Sopaj meets explosive American prospect Timmy Cuamba. Both men are young, aggressive, and hungry for a breakout moment. Stylistically, this is a classic clash of relentless pace vs. explosive athleticism — and it has all the makings of a sleeper Fight of the Night contender.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Early Prelims Start: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

Sopaj vs. Cuamba: Expected around 6:20 PM ET / 3:20 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Benardo Sopaj

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at Allstars Training Center (Sweden)
• Focus on pressure footwork, clinch entries, and body‑shot combinations
• Coaches emphasize avoiding wild exchanges and keeping a tight guard

Timmy Cuamba

• Minor wrist soreness early in camp — fully cleared
• Camp at Xtreme Couture (Las Vegas)
• Emphasis on explosive counters, takedown defense, and lateral movement
• Added more grappling rounds to prepare for Sopaj’s pressure

Both fighters enter healthy and well‑prepared.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Benardo Sopaj — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO, 2 decisions
• Loss: 1 decision
• Trend: Relentless pace, strong clinch work, improving boxing

Timmy Cuamba — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: Explosive early, dangerous counters, inconsistent late‑fight pacing

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Sopaj: Pressure boxer, heavy body shots, strong inside fighting
• Cuamba: Fast hands, sharp counters, powerful right hand Edge: Cuamba (power), Sopaj (volume)

Grappling

• Sopaj: Strong clinch, good trips, solid top control
• Cuamba: Good defensive wrestling, limited offensive grappling Edge: Sopaj

Cardio

• Sopaj: Excellent 3‑round engine
• Cuamba: Strong early, fades if pressured Edge: Sopaj

Fight IQ

• Sopaj: Smart pressure fighter, but can get hit clean entering range
• Cuamba: Good reads, but sometimes waits too long to pull the trigger Edge: Even

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Benardo Sopaj’s UFC Trajectory

• Rising European prospect with a fan‑friendly style
• Known for pace, durability, and pressure
• A win here could earn him a mid‑tier featherweight matchup

Timmy Cuamba’s UFC Trajectory

• Explosive athlete with real finishing upside
• UFC sees him as a potential breakout if he can tighten his defense
• A win stabilizes his momentum after inconsistent results

BETTING TRENDS

Benardo Sopaj Trends

• 4–1 in last 5
• 3–0 when landing 60+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when opponents land early knockdowns

Timmy Cuamba Trends

• 5 of last 7 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–1 when landing a knockdown
• 0–3 when out‑paced by 25+ significant strikes

Matchup Trends

• Sopaj thrives in extended exchanges
• Cuamba thrives in explosive moments
• Early exchanges likely determine the fight’s rhythm

FIGHT ODDS

Benardo Sopaj                  – 125

Timmy Cuamba                – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A compelling light heavyweight matchup lands on the UFC 117 main card as Brazilian finisher Rodolfo Bellato meets former Cage Warriors champion Modestas Bukauskas. Both men are entering their primes, both have real momentum, and both bring contrasting styles that should produce a tactical but violent fight. With the 205‑pound division wide open behind the top contenders, this bout carries meaningful implications for the next wave of ranked fighters.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Main Card Start: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Bellato vs. Bukauskas: Expected around 11:15 PM ET / 8:15 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Rodolfo Bellato

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at Nova União
• Focus on wrestling pressure, top control, and improved striking entries
• Coaches emphasize avoiding long-range kickboxing exchanges

Modestas Bukauskas

• Recovered from minor knee irritation early in camp
• Camp at BST Academy (UK) with additional U.S. sparring
• Emphasis on footwork, range management, and anti-wrestling
• Added more clinch defense to counter Bellato’s pressure

Both fighters enter healthy and fully prepared for a high‑stakes 205‑pound clash.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Rodolfo Bellato — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 2 submissions, 1 KO, 1 decision
• Loss: 1 KO
• Trend: Strong grappling, improving striking, dangerous in scrambles

Modestas Bukauskas — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 decisions, 1 KO
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: Technical striker with good movement, inconsistent against pressure wrestlers

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Bellato: Developing boxing, heavy low kicks, uses strikes to close distance
• Bukauskas: Clean kickboxing, long-range weapons, sharp counters Edge: Bukauskas

Grappling

• Bellato: Strong takedowns, heavy top control, dangerous submissions
• Bukauskas: Solid defensive grappling but struggles against chain wrestlers Edge: Bellato

Cardio

• Bellato: Good 3‑round engine, slows if forced to strike at range
• Bukauskas: Better long-range cardio, strong late rounds Edge: Bukauskas

Fight IQ

• Bellato: Smart grappler but sometimes predictable in entries
• Bukauskas: More tactical, but can be backed up too easily Edge: Even

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Rodolfo Bellato’s UFC Trajectory

• A rising Brazilian prospect with real finishing upside
• Known for strong grappling and improving striking
• A win likely pushes him toward the top‑15 conversation

Modestas Bukauskas’ UFC Trajectory

• Former Cage Warriors champion
• Technical, experienced, and well-rounded
• A win stabilizes his UFC run and positions him for ranked matchups

BETTING TRENDS

Rodolfo Bellato Trends

• 4 of last 5 wins by finish
• 3–0 when securing 2+ takedowns
• 0–2 when out‑struck by 25+ significant strikes

Modestas Bukauskas Trends

• 5 of last 7 fights have gone to decision
• 3–1 when landing 40+ significant strikes
• 0–3 when taken down 3+ times

Matchup Trends

• Bellato’s grappling is the X‑factor
• Bukauskas needs space and movement
• Early cage control likely determines the fight’s direction

FIGHT ODDS

Rodolfo Bellato                – 102

Modestas Bukauskas      – 118

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A classic striker‑vs‑grappler dynamic kicks off the UFC 117 card as rising lightweight Juan Diaz meets powerful wrestler‑boxer Malcolm Wellmaker. Both men are young, hungry, and looking to make a statement in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Stylistically, this matchup promises pace, pressure, and a real test of each fighter’s ability to impose their preferred range.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Early Prelims Start: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT

Diaz vs. Wellmaker: Expected around 6:30 PM ET / 3:30 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Juan Diaz

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at American Top Team
• Focus on takedown defense, lateral movement, and counter‑punching
• Coaches emphasize staying off the fence and punishing level changes

Malcolm Wellmaker

• Minor ankle soreness early in camp — fully cleared
• Camp at Elevation Fight Team
• Emphasis on chain wrestling, cage pressure, and top‑control endurance
• Added more boxing rounds to sharpen entries behind the jab

Both fighters enter healthy and with complete training camps.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Juan Diaz — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 3 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Loss: 1 decision
• Trend: Fast hands, sharp counters, improving takedown defense

Malcolm Wellmaker — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 decisions, 1 submission
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: Strong wrestling base, durable, thrives in grindy fights

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Diaz: Crisp boxing, excellent counters, strong body work
• Wellmaker: Basic but powerful boxing, uses strikes to set up takedowns Edge: Diaz

Grappling

• Diaz: Solid defensive wrestling, good scrambles
• Wellmaker: Strong double‑leg, heavy top control, punishing ground‑and‑pound Edge: Wellmaker

Cardio

• Diaz: Good 3‑round engine, best when dictating pace
• Wellmaker: Excellent cardio for a wrestler, strong late rounds Edge: Wellmaker

Fight IQ

• Diaz: Smart striker but can get drawn into brawls
• Wellmaker: Disciplined game plans, rarely wastes energy Edge: Wellmaker

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Juan Diaz’s UFC Trajectory

• A rising prospect with clean striking and highlight‑reel potential
• UFC sees him as a future contender if he can handle strong wrestlers
• A win here likely earns him a step up in competition

Malcolm Wellmaker’s UFC Trajectory

• A grinding wrestler with a high‑pressure style
• Known for wearing opponents down and stealing rounds with control
• A win keeps him in the mix for mid‑tier lightweight matchups

BETTING TRENDS

Juan Diaz Trends

• 3 of last 4 wins by KO
• 4–0 when landing 50+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when taken down 3+ times

Malcolm Wellmaker Trends

• 5 of last 7 fights have gone to decision
• 3–1 when securing 2+ takedowns
• 0–3 when out‑struck by 20+ significant strikes

Matchup Trends

• Diaz has the striking edge
• Wellmaker has the wrestling edge
• Fight likely hinges on whether Wellmaker can consistently close distance

FIGHT ODDS

Juan Diaz                             + 210

Malcolm Wellmaker       – 250

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A fan‑friendly firefight is almost guaranteed when explosive bantamweight finisher Daniel Santos meets returning knockout artist Doo Ho Choi. Both men are known for aggression, power, and chaos, and both desperately want a statement win to climb the 135‑pound ladder. This matchup has Fight of the Night written all over it.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Main Card Start: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Santos vs. Choi: Expected around 10:45 PM ET / 7:45 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Daniel Santos

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at Chute Boxe Diego Lima
• Focus on pressure footwork, body‑shot combinations, and defensive grappling
• Coaches emphasize not getting drawn into wild exchanges early

Doo Ho Choi

• Recovered from minor calf tightness early in camp
• Camp in South Korea with additional U.S. striking partners
• Emphasis on counter‑punching, defensive head movement, and pacing
• Added more wrestling rounds to avoid being bullied in the clinch

Both fighters enter healthy and prepared for a high‑pace striking battle.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Daniel Santos — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Losses: 2 decisions
• Trend: High‑pressure, high‑volume, dangerous in scrambles and brawls

Doo Ho Choi — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 2–2–1
• Wins: 2 KO/TKO
• Losses: 2 decisions
• Draw: 1 (point deduction)
• Trend: Still powerful, still explosive, but more measured than early career

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Santos: Wild, aggressive, body‑heavy combinations, spinning attacks
• Choi: Clean boxing, elite timing, one‑punch knockout power Edge: Choi (precision & power), Santos (volume & pressure)

Grappling

• Santos: Strong clinch, opportunistic submissions
• Choi: Improved defensive wrestling, limited offensive grappling Edge: Santos

Cardio

• Santos: Excellent pace for 3 rounds
• Choi: Good early, slows if forced backward Edge: Santos

Fight IQ

• Santos: Can get reckless in exchanges
• Choi: More composed, but sometimes too patient Edge: Even

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Daniel Santos’ UFC Trajectory

• Known for chaos, pressure, and violence
• A win over a name like Choi boosts his profile
• UFC sees him as a potential action‑fighter star

Doo Ho Choi’s UFC Trajectory

• Once a top prospect with legendary wars (Swanson, Stephens)
• Now rebuilding momentum after layoffs and inconsistency
• A win puts him back into the bantamweight conversation

BETTING TRENDS

Daniel Santos Trends

• 4 of last 6 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–0 when landing 60+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when opponents land early knockdowns

Doo Ho Choi Trends

• 12 career wins by KO
• 5 of last 6 fights ended inside the distance
• 0–3 when out‑paced by 30+ significant strikes

Matchup Trends

• Both fighters are finish‑or‑be‑finished types
• Santos thrives in chaos; Choi thrives in clean exchanges
• Early moments likely determine the fight’s direction

FIGHT ODDS

Daniel Santos                    – 165

Doo Ho Choi                      + 145

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A high‑stakes featherweight showdown headlines UFC 117 as rising Brazilian contender Melquizael Costa steps into the biggest fight of his career against perennial top‑5 British powerhouse Arnold Allen. With title implications on the line and both men entering with something to prove, this matchup promises elite technique, pace, and tactical depth.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Main Card Start: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Costa vs. Allen Walkouts: Approximately 12:00 AM ET / 9:00 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Melquizael Costa

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at Chute Boxe Diego Lima
• Focus on defensive wrestling and counter‑striking
• Coaches emphasize footwork and avoiding Allen’s pocket blitzes

Arnold Allen

• Recovered from minor hand soreness from previous bout
• Full camp at Tristar + UK affiliates
• Emphasis on pressure footwork, level‑change feints, and 5‑round conditioning
• Added more southpaw‑specific sparring to prepare for Costa’s stance switches

Both fighters enter healthy and fully prepared for a 25‑minute war.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Melquizael Costa — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 4–1
• Wins: 2 decisions, 1 KO, 1 submission
• Loss: 1 decision
• Trend: Rapid improvement, strong striking fundamentals, better takedown defense

Arnold Allen — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 decisions, 1 KO
• Losses: 2 decisions (both to top‑tier opponents)
• Trend: Still elite, but needs a statement win to reassert title contention

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Costa: Long, technical, sharp counters, dangerous kicks
• Allen: Explosive bursts, powerful left hand, excellent combinations Edge: Allen (power), Costa (range & precision)

Grappling

• Costa: Solid defensive grappling, good scrambles
• Allen: Strong offensive wrestling, excellent top control Edge: Allen

Cardio

• Costa: Good 3‑round engine, untested in 5 rounds
• Allen: Proven 5‑round cardio, high pace Edge: Allen

Fight IQ

• Costa: Improving, but sometimes backs up in straight lines
• Allen: One of the smartest tacticians in the division Edge: Allen

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

Melquizael Costa

• Breakout performances in 2024–2026
• Known for clean striking and composure
• This is his first UFC main event
• A win would launch him into the top‑10 instantly

Arnold Allen

• Former title challenger
• Wins over Calvin Kattar, Dan Hooker, Sodiq Yusuff
• Still considered one of the most complete featherweights
• A win keeps him in the title picture; a loss is a major setback

First meeting between the two fighters.

BETTING TRENDS

Melquizael Costa Trends

• 4–1 in last 5
• 3–0 when out‑landing opponents by 20+ significant strikes
• 0–2 when taken down 3+ times
• Strong early, but untested in championship rounds

Arnold Allen Trends

• 7–2 in last 9
• 5–0 in fights where he lands 2+ takedowns
• 4–1 in 5‑round fights
• Historically strong in Rounds 4–5

Matchup Trends

• Allen’s pressure historically troubles long‑range strikers
• Costa’s best chance is early counter‑striking
• Allen’s durability and cardio give him late‑fight advantages

FIGHT ODDS

Melquizael Costa             + 175

Arnold Allen      `              – 210

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026

T-Mobile Arena — Las Vegas, Nevada

A classic middleweight clash between two gritty, pressure‑driven wrestle‑boxers headlines the prelim slate as Andre Petroski meets Cody Brundage. Both men are known for durability, explosive grappling, and chaotic fight pacing — and both desperately need a statement win to stabilize their UFC trajectories. Expect a physical, grind‑heavy matchup with real potential for momentum swings.

VENUE & EVENT DETAILS

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV

Start Time: Prelims begin at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

Petroski vs. Brundage: Expected around 8:45 PM ET / 5:45 PM PT

Cage Size: 30‑foot Octagon

Altitude: Sea level

INJURY REPORT & CAMP NOTES

Andre Petroski

• No reported injuries
• Full camp at Renzo Gracie Philly
• Focus on improved striking defense and conditioning
• Coaches emphasize tighter entries and avoiding brawling exchanges

Cody Brundage

• Minor rib soreness early in camp — cleared, no limitations
• Camp at Factory X
• Emphasis on counter‑wrestling and sharper boxing combinations
• Added more cage‑wrestling rounds to prepare for Petroski’s pressure

Both fighters enter healthy and with full camps behind them.

RECENT FORM & MOMENTUM

Andre Petroski — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 2–3
• Wins: 1 submission, 1 decision
• Losses: 2 KO/TKO, 1 decision
• Trend: Strong early, fades late; vulnerable to heavy hitters

Cody Brundage — Last 5 Fights

• Record: 3–2
• Wins: 2 submissions, 1 KO
• Losses: 1 KO, 1 decision
• Trend: High‑variance fighter; either finishes or gets finished

FIGHTER MATCHUP BREAKDOWN

Striking

• Petroski: Southpaw, heavy left hand, looping entries
• Brundage: Cleaner boxing, better counters, more varied combinations Edge: Brundage

Grappling

• Petroski: Stronger top control, better pure wrestling
• Brundage: Good scrambles, opportunistic guillotine and RNC Edge: Petroski

Cardio

• Petroski: Historically fades after Round 1
• Brundage: Better late‑fight consistency Edge: Brundage

Fight IQ

• Petroski: Can get reckless when tired
• Brundage: More composed but sometimes too patient Edge: Even

FIGHT HISTORY & CONTEXT

This is the first meeting between the two fighters.

Andre Petroski’s UFC Trajectory

• Explosive wrestler with finishing upside
• Inconsistent results due to cardio and defensive lapses
• A win keeps him relevant in the middleweight shuffle

Cody Brundage’s UFC Trajectory

• Known for wild fights and opportunistic submissions
• Has alternated wins and losses but shows improvement
• A win could push him toward fringe top‑20 matchups

BETTING TRENDS

Andre Petroski Trends

• 5 of last 7 fights ended inside the distance
• 4–0 when securing 3+ takedowns
• 0–3 when out‑struck by 20+ significant strikes

Cody Brundage Trends

• 7 of last 9 fights ended inside the distance
• 3–1 when landing a knockdown
• 2–0 when opponent attempts 5+ takedowns (strong counter‑grappling)

Matchup Trends

• Both fighters are finish‑or‑be‑finished types
• Early grappling exchanges likely determine momentum
• If Petroski can’t secure top control early, Brundage takes over late

FIGHT ODDS

Andre Petroski                  – 155

Cody Brundage                 + 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 15, 2026