British featherweight Arnold Allen is set for his second bout of 2026, headlining an event at the Meta APEX this May.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the 145-pound contender recounted the moment he received the call for his upcoming fight this spring.
“I was literally eating fish and chips,” Allen stated. “My manager called, asking if I wanted to fight in nine weeks. I asked if I could call him back in the morning to weigh myself, and then I thought, ‘Yeah, I can make that happen.’ So yeah, it’s good, buzzing to be back, man.”
Allen’s last appearance was at UFC 324 in January, where he engaged in a back-and-forth battle with fan-favorite Jean Silva, ultimately losing a controversial decision. That fight marked his return after an almost 18-month hiatus caused by injury. Inactivity has been a recurring issue in the Englishman’s career, but he aims to overcome it in 2026.
Arnold Allen Previews His Next Fight
Currently ranked #8 in the featherweight division and with just one win in his last four fights, Allen finds himself needing to defend his ranking against ascending talents. He shared his thoughts on his upcoming opponent, Melquizael Costa.
“He’s [Costa] surging, mate, he’s going to be confident,” Allen remarked. “He just knocked out a guy who had never been finished before. Dan [Ige] is a tough opponent, and Costa took him out with a brutal back kick. So yeah, I’m excited for the challenge. Another southpaw, so it’ll be a scrappy, somewhat awkward fight, but it’s definitely going to be a fight.”
Brazil’s Costa earns this significant opportunity against his toughest opponent yet, following a series of electrifying performances in the UFC. With a 7-2 record within the promotion, he boasts a 6-fight win streak, including four finishes, and has been one of the most active fighters on the roster, competing five times since February 2025. Already tipped as a future star, known for his vibrant fight highlights and multi-colored hair, Costa also openly embraces his vitiligo, aspiring to inspire children living with the same condition.
Who do you predict will emerge victorious in the main event showdown between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa on May 16th?