Rising
Ultimate Fighting Championship talent Melquizael
Costa believes he has his division figured out.
Now a ranked 145-pounder after becoming the first man to stop
Dan Ige
as a pro, Costa took a long look at the rest of his division. While
he currently rides a six-fight win streak, the man known as “The
Dalmation” knows he still has some work to do to get to the top of
the ladder. The next crack at Alexander
Volkanovski’s throne may go to the upcoming victor of Lerone
Murphy vs. Movsar
Evloev, and after that, it remains to be seen. Costa spoke to
Sherdog
on Monday after his victory, where he broke down the future of his
weight class.
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“UFC is looking for exciting fights,” Costa noted. “In the papers,
the winner of Evloev and Murphy might get the title shot, but I
believe Jean Silva
provides much more excitement, as he showed on his last fights, and
I think he will cut that line.”
Of all the men in the top 15 at 145 pounds, Costa points to the
Fighting Nerd Silva as the man with the tools to beat
Volkanovski.
“Diego
Lopes doesn’t have heavy hands, he is sharp, but he needs the
counter,” Costa analyzed. “Volkanovski felt that and neutralized
him by cutting angles. But Jean is different. Besides being a
sniper, he has very heavy hands and Volkanovski doesn’t have the
same [durability] now. The champion is the favorite, but Jean can
decide the fight in a blink [of an eye].”
Costa Wants It All
Currently in the 13th spot on the UFC’s featherweight rankings,
Costa will not only be watching Murphy-Evloev closely, but he will
be in attendance for the London-centered UFC Fight Night 270 event
on March 21.
“I truly hope Evloev and Murphy don’t make me sleep,” joked the
Brazilian.
Mere days after receiving a number next to his name, the
29-year-old is eager to face anyone who helps him reach the top of
the division. That includes countrymen, as he called out Lopes
after knocking Ige out on Saturday.
“I don’t see any reason to fight Patricio
‘Pitbull’ even though we have the same manager. But I would
love to face Diego and Jean. Take note. First, I’ll submit Diego,
and then I’ll knock out Jean Silva,” Costa declared
confidently.