Preview: UFC on ESPN 52 Prelims

Featherweights

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

ODDS: Costa (-238), Garcia (+195)

This looks like a guaranteed banger. 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 here in Costa. Brazil’s Costa is well-traveled, but his experience does not necessarily come through in his fights, as he has an aimless approach that mostly just goes along with whatever fight his opponent presents. Still, 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 will likely 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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