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Melquizael Costa gets second UFC fight in 35 days, faces Christian Rodriguez in Mexico

Melquizael Costa gets second UFC fight in 35 days, faces Christian Rodriguez in Mexico

USA Today26-02-2025

It'll be just over a month between fights for Melquizael Costa.
Costa (22-7 MMA, 3-2 UFC) has his next bout on the books just three days after his UFC Fight Night 252 submission win over Andre Fili in Seattle. Thirty-five days later, he'll face Christian Rodriguez (12-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) at UFC on ESPN 64 in Mexico City. The event takes place March 29 at Arena CDMX.
Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the matchup but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. Ag. Fight first reported the bout Tuesday.
Costa has won back-to-back fights by submission, and three of his most recent four overall. A member of Chute Boxe João Emilio, Costa is a close friend and training partner of Joanderson Brito.
Rodriguez has proven to be the promotion's ultimate spoiler when it comes to rising prospects. He's handed UFC prospects Raul Rosas Jr., Cameron Saaiman, Isaac Dulgarian, and Austin Bashi their first career losses.
With the addition, the UFC on ESPN 64 lineup includes:
Brandon Moreno vs. Steve Erceg
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer
Drew Dober vs. Manuel Torres
Rafa Garcia vs. Vinc Pichel
Elves Brener vs. Daniel Zellhuber
Melquizael Costa vs. Christian Rodriguez
Edgar Chairez vs. C.J. Vergara
Kevin Borjas vs. Ronaldo Rodriguez
David Martinez vs. Saimon Oliveira
Ateba Gautier vs. Jose Medina
Lupita Godinez vs. Julia Polastri
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie's event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.

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