‘Give 100K to this man’: Pros react to Melquizael Costa’s sensational knockout at UFC Houston
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Melquizael Costa delivered a stunning knockout victory in his featherweight bout against Dan Ige at UFC Houston, securing a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. costa caught Ige with a devastating spinning kick and followed up with ground strikes to end the fight inside the distance. This win marked Costa’s seventh straight victory at 145 pounds, solidifying his position as one of the top contenders in the division. Ige, ranked No. 14 in the UFC, had never been defeated before the final bell prior to this loss.
The victory not only showcased Costa’s skill and precision but also highlighted his potential as a rising star in the sport. Fighters across the MMA community were quick to praise his performance, with Caio Borralho, a middleweight contender, calling for Costa to receive the bonus on social media. The win also earned Costa widespread respect from peers like Henry Cejudo and Mairon "The Legend" Santos, who described the fight as “brutal” and a standout moment of the night.
Costa’s dominance over Ige is particularly notable given Ige’s reputation as a tough competitor. Costa’s ability to execute high-level striking and grappling under pressure demonstrated his maturity and skill set. The win also positioned him firmly within the UFC featherweight rankings, likely pushing him into the top 15 following this fight. His impressive seven-fight streak trails only Movsar Evloev (8) and Lerone Murphy (9) for
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026