Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa Predictions and Odds for UFC Houston on 02/21/2026

• Dan Ige vs Melquizael Costa: A Clash at UFC Houston
• UFC Event in Houston
• Toyota Center, Houston, TX
• Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026

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This February 21, 2026, Dan Ige is set to battle Melquizael Costa at UFC Houston. The betting odds place Ige at +182 while Costa is favored at -212.

Dan “100K” Ige has a professional record of 19 wins and 10 losses, weighing in at 145 lbs and standing 5’7″. As an orthodox fighter, Ige possesses a reach of 71 inches. Meanwhile, Melquizael “The Dalmatian” Costa, a southpaw fighter, boasts a record of 25 wins and 7 losses and stands at 5’10” with the same reach of 71 inches. Ige’s striking output averages 3.64 significant strikes landed per minute, whereas Costa lands an impressive 4.42 per minute. In terms of accuracy, Ige connects on 45% of his significant strike attempts, while Costa has a higher success rate at 49%. Defensively, Ige absorbs 3.56 significant strikes per minute and successfully defends 56% of incoming strikes, whereas Costa absorbs fewer hits at 3.06 per minute and defends 54% of his opponents’ strikes.

Examining their grappling prowess, Dan Ige has a takedown average of 0.89 per 3 rounds, completing 25% of his attempts. He successfully defends 56% of all takedown attempts against him. Conversely, Melquizael Costa finishes 38% of his takedown attempts and defends 58% of those against him. In submission attempts, Ige averages 0.2 submissions per 3 rounds, whereas Costa attempts 1.2 submissions.

In his most recent Octagon appearance, Dan Ige faced Patricio Freire, suffering a unanimous decision loss after round 3. Freire landed 71 out of 114 total strikes, while Ige connected on 59 of 145 attempts. Against significant strikes, Freire’s accuracy was 56%, successfully landing 42 of 82 aimed at the head. Ige, on the other hand, managed 37% accuracy with 47 of 124 strikes. For head strikes, Ige recorded 24 out of 93 attempts, demonstrating overlaps at distance with both fighters.

Melquizael Costa’s last fight saw him win against Morgan Charriere with a head kick in round 1. Both fighters in that bout connected on all significant strikes from a distance. Costa, landing 4 out of 9 total strikes, highlighted his striking efficiency with a 44% success rate compared to Charriere’s 50% accuracy with 2 of 4 significant strikes.

Noteworthy Matches on the Fight Card

Another anticipated matchup features Serghei Spivac against Ante Delija. Spivac comes to the Octagon with a record of 17-6-0, weighing in at 260 lbs and standing 6’3″. As an orthodox fighter, he possesses a reach of 78 inches. Delija also stands 6’3″ and weighs 239 lbs, entering the fight with a record of 26-7-0 and similarly 78-inch reach. In grappling statistics, Spivac averages 4.21 takedowns per 3 rounds, while Delija averages 0.80 takedowns per fight. In striking, Spivac connects on 3.45 strikes per minute with a 48% accuracy, compared to Delija’s 4.81 strikes landed per minute and 45% accuracy.

Another must-see fight is between Michel Pereira and Zach Reese. Reese boasts a record of 10-2-0 (1 NC) and weighs in at 185 lbs with a height of 6’4″. Pereira, weighing the same at 185 lbs, stands 6’1″ with a record of 31-14-0 (2 NC). In terms of grappling, Reese defends 57% of opponent takedowns while succeeding in 66% of his own attempts. Pereira converts takedowns on 52% of attempts and defends 76% of incoming takedowns. Striking-wise, Reese absorbs 3.82 strikes per minute, dishing out 4.32, while Pereira faces 4.35 strikes per minute and lands 4.49.

Which fighter will secure the victory in this exciting UFC showdown?

Prediction: Back Dan Ige (+182)