Outside Source
Arnold Allen will look to regain some momentum on May 16. | Getty/UFC
Though the UFC will be holding a card on the same day as Most Valuable Promotions’ MMA debut on Neftlix, it wouldn’t be accurate to call it counterprogramming by the Las Vegas-based organization.
That’s the perspective of Arnold Allen, who will headline UFC Fight Night 276 against Melquizael Costa in a featherweight bout at the UFC Apex on May 16 in Las Vegas.
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“The fact it’s me and Melky headlining against them, I don’t think the UFC is really trying to compete,” Allen said on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” “Not to put me and Melky down, but let’s be real. Star power, like, they ain’t trying to compete.”
The MVP card is headlined by a women’s featherweight clash between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, a matchup Rousey is touting as the biggest female fight ever. The event also includes Francis Ngannou’s return, as he takes on Philipe Lins in the heavyweight co-main event, while fan favorites Nate Diaz and Mike Perry will lock horns in another featured contest.
The Height of MMA
Allen vs. Costa, meanwhile, is an intriguing featherweight pairing, but it isn’t likely to attract the casual fan. Allen won his first 10 Octagon appearances but is looking to regain momentum after losing three of his last four bouts against top-tier competition such as Movsar Evloev, Max Holloway and Jean Silva. Costa, with a six-fight winning streak, enters the bout in the role of up-and-comer. A victory over Silva would likely propel the Brazilian into serious contention at 145 pounds.
“I know what fight I’d rather watch,” Allen said. “..I don’t go to talk s–t, but let’s be real. This is two guys in our primes. The height of MMA.
“It’s at the META Apex. That that kind of blows, but like the fight itself is sick.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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