UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa Betting Guide & Odds

Introduction

The highly anticipated UFC event, Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, is set to take place on May 17, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. This showdown promises to deliver an evening filled with action, showcasing two notable fighters in the featherweight division.

In the main event, Arnold Allen, currently ranked #7, will square off against #12 ranked Melquizael Costa. Both fighters bring impressive résumés to the octagon, with Allen sporting a record of 20 wins and 4 losses, and Costa holding 25 wins and 7 losses. Notably, Allen has recently faced tough opponents, leading to a two-fight losing streak after a previous KO victory against Calvin Kattar. On the other hand, Costa enters this match on a winning spree, having secured five victories in his last six fights, showcasing his knockout power, with 9 wins by KO/TKO.

As for the odds, Allen is favored at around -185, while Costa comes in as an underdog at approximately +155, making it an intriguing matchup for bettors and fans alike. With both fighters eager to climb the ranks, this event promises to be a thrilling encounter that no UFC fan should miss.

Live odds

All the fighter matchups and live odds for Allen vs Costa can be found on the Allen vs Costa event page.

Main Body Content

The Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa card features a compelling lineup with a mix of established veterans and rising stars. As the evening unfolds on May 17, 2026, fans will witness a myriad of matchups, each with unique betting dynamics. Below, we will delve into the main card and preliminary bouts, analyze the odds, and provide insights on where to place your bets.

Main Card Fights

Arnold Allen vs. Melquizael Costa (Featherweight)

Odds:

• Arnold Allen: -185 (Favorite)
• Melquizael Costa: +155 (Underdog)

In the headlining match, Arnold Allen faces Melquizael Costa. With Allen coming off two consecutive losses against top contenders, he is looking to make a statement against Costa, who has been on a solid winning streak, recently defeating notable fighters. Allen has a reputation for resilience and tactical prowess, but Costa’s knockout power adds an element of unpredictability. A $100 bet on Allen could return $54, while a bet on Costa would return $155 on a $100 wager.

Recent line movement shows that Allen opened at -160, with the odds shifting to -185 as more betting action comes in his favor. If you’re considering a wager, Allen is a safer bet due to his experience, though Costa at +155 offers substantial value for those willing to back the underdog.

Ketlen Vieira vs. Jacqueline Cavalcanti (Women’s Bantamweight)

Odds:

• Ketlen Vieira: +150
• Jacqueline Cavalcanti: -175 (Favorite)

In this bout, Ketlen Vieira will take on Jacqueline Cavalcanti. Despite Vieira’s higher ranking, the odds suggest that Cavalcanti is favored. The Brazilian striker has shown striking improvement and has a solid defense, making her a compelling bet. Given that Vieira’s last fight ended in a split loss, this matchup is a toss-up.

Betting on Cavalcanti at -175 feels justifiable; however, at +150, Vieira could be a tempting underdog pick for those looking to capitalize on her submission skills.

Dooho Choi vs. Daniel Santos (Featherweight)

Odds:

• Dooho Choi: +120
• Daniel Santos: -140 (Favorite)

Dooho Choi meets Daniel Santos in another exciting featherweight clash. Choi’s striking is second to none, showcasing 13 knockout wins in his career, but Santos comes in with equally impressive form. The odds point tight, with only a small gap between them.

The betting trend sees Santos initially opening at -125 but gradually moving to -140. As an underdog, Choi represents an appealing option given his knockout rate, but the fight is evenly matched enough to warrant caution.

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Juan Diaz (Bantamweight)

Odds:

• Malcolm Wellmaker: -260 (Favorite)
• Juan Diaz: +210 (Underdog)

Here, Malcolm Wellmaker faces Juan Diaz. The wide disparity in the odds reflects Wellmaker's strong performance in recent fights. Opening at -250, Wellmaker’s odds have worsened to -260 due to recent betting momentum. This is a clear indication that oddsmakers and public bettors view him as a likely victor.

Diaz, however, enters as a significant underdog, and while the odds are steep, sometimes underdogs can outperform expectations. If you’re looking for a safer investment, Wellmaker’s odds are more favorable; however, betting on Diaz might yield a higher return if you think he can pull off an upset.

Jeremiah Wells vs. Nicolas Dalby (Welterweight)

Odds:

• Jeremiah Wells: -105
• Nicolas Dalby: -115 (Slight favorite)

This matchup is razor-tight, signaling the even odds movement in their performances. The shift from slight favorite to slight underdog is indicative of the close nature of their skillsets. Wells brings a solid finishing ability with decision wins, while Dalby has shown versatility.

With both fighters almost even, it would be prudent to review their recent performance trends before investing. Wells’s past bouts suggest he might edge out Dalby in stamina and striking defense.

Cody Brundage vs. Andre Petroski (Middleweight)

Odds:

• Cody Brundage: +180
• Andre Petroski: -220 (Favorite)

In this intriguing middleweight clash, Andre Petroski occupies the role of favorite against Cody Brundage. Petroski’s steadfast grappling allows him to dictate pace, while Brundage’s duality as a wrestler and striker makes this a risky match for betting.

Petroski has risen to prominence, moving from -205 to -220 as perception of his skillset has gained traction. On the other hand, Brundage at +180 could be worthwhile for those looking to take a chance on a potential upset.

Alice Ardelean vs. Polyana Viana (Women’s Strawweight)

Odds:

• Alice Ardelean: -200 (Favorite)
• Polyana Viana: +170 (Underdog)

In the women’s bout, Ardelean meets Viana. Ardelean's knockout power and her ability to control the fight are reflected in her odds. Opening at -195, the market has pushed her to a -200 favorite, reflecting confidence in her skills.

Viana’s odds at +170 present an intriguing value as she seeks redemption in her career. Should she employ smart tactical fighting, betting on her could yield a significant payout.

Betting Insights and Recommendations

In this event, considering recent form, public sentiment, and betting odds movements is essential for making informed betting decisions. Fighters like Arnold Allen, Malcolm Wellmaker, and Andre Petroski have strong form and positive momentum that should encourage backing them as bets.

Conversely, for fighters such as Juan Diaz and Cody Brundage, who face steep odds, betting on them could pay off if you believe in their potential capability to outperform the odds given their fight styles.

As the event approaches, keep an eye on any final line movements; betting action on these fighters could shift dramatically as the fight day nears, potentially altering the odds and providing new opportunities for value.

Choosing where to place your bets should combine statistical evidence, emotional discipline, and awareness of the betting landscape. With the thrilling action expected at Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa, thorough preparation will significantly enhance your betting experience.

By monitoring key fights and odds shifts, you’ll bolster your betting strategy, ultimately aiming for a profitable outing on May 17, 2026!

Conclusion

As Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa approaches, it's time to solidify your betting strategies and make informed decisions. Among the fighters to consider for your wagers, Arnold Allen stands out as a robust option given his fighting experience and tactical acumen, particularly after entering this bout with a strong desire to rebound from his recent losses. Additionally, Malcolm Wellmaker offers enticing value under the current odds, as his recent form makes him a formidable contender.

For a potential parlay bet, consider combining Arnold Allen and Andre Petroski. Both fighters are favored to win and aligning them in a parlay may yield higher overall returns, increasing your payout while providing a structured approach to your betting.

Don’t forget to check out the live odds leading up to the fights on our event page at UFC Bet Companion. The fluid nature of odds can reveal opportunities to capitalize on favorable betting lines as public sentiment shifts and insights into fighter conditions become available. Engage in this exciting card and may your bets lead to success!