As UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Costa approaches this Saturday at the Meta APEX, a trio of rising stars is ready to seize their moment and make a name for themselves in the octagon. With the spotlight shining bright, these fighters are eager to prove they belong among the elite in their divisions.
Leading the charge is Melquizael Costa, who has transformed his career since last year. After a stunning third-round submission victory over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke, the Brazilian powerhouse has racked up four consecutive wins, including a first-round knockout of Dan Ige in February. Now ranked No. 12, Costa is set to headline against a seasoned Top 10 opponent, and fans are eager to see if he can extend his impressive streak.
Among the other contenders is Daniel Santos, a fighter known for his unpredictable and high-energy style. At 31, Santos has been on a four-fight winning streak since October 2022, but his sporadic fight schedule has kept him under the radar. This weekend, he faces DooHo Choi in a co-main event that could elevate his profile significantly. Choi, while not the same fighter he once was, still possesses knockout power, making this matchup a critical test for Santos. A victory could place “Willycat” firmly on the radar of featherweight fans.
Then there’s Timmy Cuamba, who is ready to shift perceptions as he steps into the octagon against Benardo Sopaj. Despite a rocky start with two losses in his UFC debut, Cuamba’s journey has been more complex than it appears. His first fight was a last-minute challenge at a higher weight class, and his second was a close decision loss to Lucas Almeida. Since then, he has rebounded with two impressive wins, including a second-round finish over Roberto Romero. Now competing in the bantamweight division, Cuamba is looking to solidify his status and prove he’s a fighter to watch.
Meanwhile, Jacqueline Cavalcanti is on a remarkable eight-fight winning streak, including five victories in the UFC. She faces a significant challenge in perennial contender Ketlen Vieira, who has struggled to secure her place among the title contenders. Cavalcanti’s last win over former title challenger Mayra Bueno Silva showcased her potential, but she will need to elevate her performance to take down Vieira. A decisive victory could catapult her into the title conversation, following in the footsteps of other fighters who have seized their opportunities.
As the excitement builds for UFC Fight Night: Allen vs Costa, fans are left wondering which of these rising talents will emerge victorious and take a step closer to championship glory. Don’t miss the action live from Las Vegas on May 16, 2026, with prelims kicking off at 5pm ET and the main card at 8pm ET. Who will rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight?
Source: https://www.ufc.com/news/fighters-rise-ufc-fight-night-allen-vs-costa-santos-cavalcanti-cuamba
