New year, new contract: Melquizael Costa says win at UFC Seattle would open doors
SOMERVILLE, Mass. – Cold and snow aren’t typically part of Melquizael Costa’s pre-fight preparations. But this training camp has been a little different.
The back half of his camp has taken place over 4,600 miles North of the norm. Rather than Chute Boxe in Bauru, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Costa (21-7 MMA, 2-2 UFC) is spending the final three weeks at Brazilian Martial Arts Center, getting ready for the biggest fight of his life: a Feb. 22 bout vs. Andre Fili at UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle.
“I’m very happy about it,” Costa recently told MMA Junkie through a Portuguese-language interpreter. “I had just one fight last year. I just like to fight. I’m very happy I get to fight this guy who was already in the UFC for a while, so it’s going to be very good for me. I’m even happier because I renewed my contract with the UFC.”
While many things are different about this camp, some staple features have remained the same. Costa’s main training partner, UFC featherweight Joanderson Brito, and Chute Boxe coach Joao Emilio have made the trip with him.
Brito (17-4-1 MMA, 5-2 UFC) is in the early stages of preparation for an April 5 fight vs. Pat Sabatini (19-5 MMA, 6-2 UFC) and will play even more of a key role than usual for this bout. Brito fought Fili (24-11 MMA, 12-10 UFC) in April 2022 and won by knockout in 41 seconds. Costa helped Brito prepare for that bout and hopes he can mirror that success.
“I watched him since 2015, 2016. I saw him when he fought Max Holloway,” Costa said. “It’s not new for me. I worked with ‘Turbarao’ Joanderson Brito in his last fight against him, so I’m familiar with his fight (style). … My team and I work hard all the time. I’m ready for the fight. I’m very confident. I like the crowd. I like the big event. I liked to be in front of the cameras. I’m very happy with this and comfortable.”
Costa, 28, has alternated losses and wins since his UFC debut in January 2023. He lost to Thiago Moises, then beat Austin Lingo, then lost to Steve Garcia, and most recently defeated Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
This will be the first fight for Costa on a new multifight deal. He hopes his performances can lead to more activity as he continues his ascent up the divisional ladder, all the while familiarizing himself with the international fanbase.
“I want to win this fight as soon as possible, and I want to fight again as soon (after that). If I don’t get hurt, I want to get the next fight as soon as possible. … This fight is going to open up a lot of doors for me. He’s been in the UFC a long time, so it’s going to be good for me. I don’t care who I fight. I just am training to fight anybody. Whatever, I just want to fight. I don’t care who I’m fighting for. … After this fight, I don’t want one name. I just need a date.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 252.