Preview: UFC Fight Night 233 Prelims

Lightweights

Melquizael Costa (20-6, 1-1 UFC) vs. Steve Garcia (14-5, 3-2 UFC)

ODDS: Costa (-275), Garcia (+225)

This potential banger was a late scrap from UFC on ESPN 52 and quickly gets rebooked here. Garcia has not gotten much promotional shine, but “Mean Machine” has been one of the most exciting fighters on the roster, fight-for-fight, since getting the UFC call in 2020. Garcia is not a particularly strong athlete, but he is a large featherweight who is aggressive to a fault, charging forward and hoping for the best. Garcia’s last three fights have essentially run the full gamut. Maheshate Hayisaer brutally knocked him out, but Garcia responded by running over Chase Hooper and then scoring a comeback win after getting outwrestled by Nuerdanbieke Shayilan. In terms of a potential scrap, he gets a willing dance partner in Costa. Brazil’s Costa is well-traveled, but his experience does not necessarily come through in his fights, as the Brazilian has an aimless approach that mostly just goes along with whatever fight his opponent presents. Costa’s talent has often made that a winning proposition, as demonstrated in his July victory over Austin Lingo, which saw him put in a complete performance against a slower power puncher. Costa can still be taken out of his game, particularly with wrestling—something Garcia sometimes pivots towards—but the bet is that this will be quick and violent. While Garcia figures to take the initiative, Costa is comfortable in a war and figures to effectively return fire. The pick is Costa via first-round knockout.

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