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Melquizael Costa moves up to Lightweight after weight struggles

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 10:00 PM

Last updated Jun 1, 2026

Melquizael Costa moves up to Lightweight after weight struggles

Summary

Melquizael Costa, currently No. 12 in the UFC Featherweight rankings, announced he will move up to Lightweight due to difficulties with weight cuts. Costa has been struggling to cut around 50 pounds to meet the Featherweight limit and stated his body can no longer handle the strain. He recently ended a six-fight win streak with a unanimous decision loss to Arnold Allen. Costa has a mixed record in the UFC, with two losses occurring in the Lightweight division. He aims to revive his career in a more forgiving weight class.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Costa moves up to Lightweight from Featherweight.
•Struggled to cut 50 pounds for fights.
•Recent loss to Arnold Allen ended a six-fight win streak.
•Record stands at 7-3 in UFC, with losses at Lightweight.

Latest Updates

10:00 PMYahoo Sports — Top Brazilian prospect Melquizael Costa bails on Featherweight – ‘My body can’t handle it’

What they're saying

"
Moving on up. No. 12-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Featherweight Melquizael Costa has had enough of suffering through brutal weight cuts and is officially moving up to Lightweight. That’s because “The Dalmatian” is apparently cutting close to 50 pounds to make the Featherweight limit, and he’s finally done putting his body through it. The Brazilian […]
— Yahoo Sports

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