Melquizael Costa finally returns to the octagon after a 253-day hiatus, and there was a time he thought his UFC career could be over.
This Saturday, Costa faces Andre Fili on the preliminary portion of UFC Seattle. He beat Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in his most recent UFC appearance back in June 2024, tapping the Chinese featherweight in the third round after a fun back-and-fourth contest. That was the final bout of Costa’s first four-fight deal with the promotion, and it took a while before he was offered a new contract.
“I’m a very anxious person, brother,” Costa told MMA Fighting. “I even had anxiety crisis. There were days I called my master at 2:00 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep. I had four fights [in the UFC], won two and lost two, and thought they would renew it, but it wasn’t coming. You only truly believe it when you sign it.”
Costa lost a short-notice lightweight bout to Thiago Moises in his UFC debut and then returned to his original weight class to go 2-1, a stoppage loss to Steve Garcia sandwiched between wins over Austin Lingo and Nuerdanbieke.
“I follow the MMA world and often see someone get released, and when I check their record they’re coming off a win,” Costa said. “You heart starts to race, you know? I’m thinking, ‘My God, am I going back to square one?’ I started to think about my daughter, so it really was very distressing. And money’s running short. I thought of applying to work for Uber, go back to teaching again, otherwise I would starve. Almost a year [living on] one purse.”
Costa said he managed to calm down by November, believing that God would find him an answer. He changed his diet to stay lighter and be able to take fights on shorter notice, and the new UFC contract—and bout agreement—eventually came.
“I was waiting to fight since June and was like, ‘brother, the first one I fight will be in trouble’. and [Fili] is next. Sorry, son, it’s ending badly for you,” Costa said. “This is going to be the biggest name I’ll beat so far because I lost to Thiago Moises [laughs]. I’m always mapping out fighters I could fight one day, and Fili was one of the names. He already fought ‘Tubarao’ [Joanderson Brito] and I studied him a lot at the time when I was helping Tubarao in sparring. I’m excited to fight a good name, to fight someone that likes to punch and get punched. It’s going to be awesome. But if he wants to go to the ground, we’re ready [laughs].”
Costa said Fili has changed his fighting style since getting knocked out by Brito in just 31 seconds back in April 2022 and in a way that surprised him.
“He used to retreat more back in the day, and now he’s walking forward,” Costa said. “It’s kind of weird because people usually slow down when they get hit and their chin isn’t the same anymore. He’s not a brawler, not the type of fighter to get hit in the head, and it appears that his chin isn’t the same anymore. But he has good striking. I like to think more of what he likes to do best instead of his weaknesses.”
“I think I’ll finish him,” he continued. “I’m working really hard, and I want to trade hands with him. But if he tries to take me down, or if we end up on the ground, I have more cards up my sleeve. I’m so anxious for this fight.”
from MMA Fighting - All Posts https://ift.tt/w2B5NMs
0 Comments
Dear valued readers,
I am writing to you today as LaPhezz, an international man of mystery with a passion for technology and a fascination for analytics. I have traveled the world and lived in many different places, and I have experienced a wide range of cultures and perspectives.
Despite my travels and encounters with countless people from all walks of life, I remain something of an enigma. My true identity is known to only a select few, and even those who know me well are often left guessing at my motivations and intentions.
As a tech enthusiast, I am always looking for new ways to leverage data and analytics to solve complex problems and make the world a better place. I believe that technology can be a powerful tool for positive change, and I am constantly exploring the latest trends and innovations in the field.
I am grateful to have such a diverse and engaged readership, and I am always eager to hear your feedback and insights. Whether you have questions about my work, suggestions for new topics to explore, or simply want to connect with a fellow tech enthusiast, I am always here to listen and engage.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. Together, we can use technology and analytics to create a brighter, more connected world.
Best regards,
LaPhezz