M. Costa defeated Christian rodriguez No. UFC Mexico (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)
The first Brazilian victory in UFC Mexico has a first and last name: Melquizael Costa. The featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) from Pará beat the favorite Christian rodriguez and emerged victorious by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). In a balanced fight, 'Melk' suffered with the constant takedowns of the American of Mexican descent, but putting his jiu-jitsu black belt into action, he managed important lifts and reversals to emerge with the triumph.
The victory over Rodriguez is the second of Melquizael Costa in the year 2025. The Pará native now has three consecutive victories in the octagon and has not lost since December 2023.
See too
On the other side, Christian rodriguez cannot follow up on the triumph against Austin Bashi, in January, and suffers his third setback in eight fights in the organization.
Melquizael Costa suffers from falls, but gets up and wins a tough fight at UFC Mexico
Melquizael Costa started the fight kicking high, but the blow went empty. The Brazilian landed a kick to the torso of Christian rodriguez, who responded with a straight kick. With another kick from Melquizael, the American ended up losing his balance, but he hit the ground and got back to his feet, closing the distance and putting the Brazilian on his back against the fence. After some insistence, Rodriguez kicked and managed to take down Melquizael, who quickly got up. The two exchanged strength near the fence and the American managed another takedown, but, once again, the Brazilian hit the ground and got back up. With another pass-and-go, Rodriguez managed a great takedown, this time with stability. When trying to escape, Melquizael ended up falling into a hand triangle. The Brazilian defended himself very well and managed to get into a superior position, with passed guard. In the last seconds, Rodriguez managed to get up, but Melquizael landed good blows before the bell rang.
In the first few seconds of the second round, Christian rodriguez landed a straight punch and took the fight to the fence. The American walked forward combining blows with his fists and, walking back, Melquizael landed a great blow, which shook Rodriguez. Recovered, Christian rodriguez The American returned to the cage to fight. With a beautiful foot pass, the American managed a great takedown, but was unable to stabilize his position and saw the Brazilian get up. Standing, Melk hurt Rodriguez with a great knee. Sensing the good moment, the Brazilian went for it and threw a series of punches, before getting in the waist, taking the American to the ground and applying the famous guillotine. Rodriguez managed a great defense, but soon after it was Melk's turn to sweep and get on top. From the guard, Melk threw some elbows until the end of the round.
Christian rodriguez wasted no time and landed a takedown in the first few seconds of the third round. From below, Melquizael locked his opponent's left arm and took advantage of an opening to reverse the position and get on his back. Rodriguez spun around and managed to get up, returning to the fence. In a rare moment of exchange, the American managed to land a straight punch and, again with a foot pass, take him down. Standing up again, Rodriguez repeated the script, landed some hands and took him down with a foot pass. After another moment of standing exchange, Rodriguez managed a takedown in the center of the octagon, already in the final minute. The American finished the fight landing hard ground and pound blows.
Middleweight prospect makes violent debut
Ateba Gautier defeated Jose Medina by knockout UFC Mexico. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News
Signed via Contender Series, Ateba Gautier had a dream debut in the organization. Chosen to face the, until then, resistant Jose Medina, the fighter proved to have great power to the point of becoming the first athlete to knock out a Bolivian. A middleweight prospect (up to 83,9 kg), the Cameroonian promised to have convincing victories to follow.
At just 22 years old, Ateba was considered the big favorite for the fight. With an offensive stance from the beginning of the fight, the athlete landed hard punches that gradually broke his opponent's resistance. Close to the fence, the Cameroonian landed a clean straight punch that sent his opponent to the canvas, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
On the other hand, Medina has found himself in a delicate situation in the UFC. Since his debut, the fighter has been unable to triumph and has now suffered his third consecutive defeat in the Ultimate. A 33-year-old Bolivian, the veteran had never lost by knockout in his career.
You need login To comment.