Key Highlights
- Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa face off in a featherweight bout at UFC Fight Night 267.
- Ige has lost three of his last four fights, while Costa has won five straight.
- BetMGM Sportsbook sets odds for the fight result: Ige +185 (bet $100 to win $185), Costa -225 (bet $225 to win $100).
The Match-up: Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
Dan Ige, a veteran with a 19-10-0 record, faces off against the rising star Melquizael Costa in a featherweight bout on UFC Fight Night 267. The event, also known as UFC Houston, takes place at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Ige’s Struggles
Despite his experience, Ige has struggled recently. He lost a unanimous decision to Patricio Pitbull last July at UFC 318 and has gone 4-4 in his past eight bouts, with three of those victories coming by knockout.
Costa’s Recent Success
On the flip side, Costa is on an impressive run. He picked up a Round 1 KO/TKO victory over Morgan Charriere last December and has won five straight fights, including two submission wins and two going the distance.
Statistical Edge
In terms of stats, Costa holds a significant advantage. His reach is just as long as Ige’s at 71 inches, but he lands more significant strikes per minute (59.66% vs. Ige’s 49.56%).
Costa also has a stronger takedown game with a higher accuracy rate (38.46%) compared to Ige’s 25.81%. Additionally, he has a better submission average at 1.16-to-0.22.
Expert Picks and Predictions
Despite the odds, Ige is not an easy bet given his recent form and experience. However, BetMGM Sportsbook’s odds on Costa (-225) are too high for a straight-up bet, making it a better fit in multi-leg parlays.
Costa to Win by KO/TKO or Submission
I predict Costa will take this fight via knockout, TKO, or submission. His ability to finish fights and the statistical edge he holds make him a strong contender for such an outcome.
Fight to Go the Distance?
While Ige may have a chance to win, the odds on it going the distance are too good at +175. Given Costa’s form and the stats, this is worth considering if you’re looking for value in over bets.
Conclusion
The fight between Dan Ige and Melquizael Costa promises excitement, with Costa’s recent success giving him a strong edge. However, Ige still has a chance to upset the odds. Keep an eye on the round-wise outcomes if you’re looking for specific bets.
You might think this is new, but… betting on the underdog can be just as rewarding in MMA as it is in other sports. Let’s see what happens!
