The UFC returns to its Las Vegas home this weekend for an action-packed event that promises fireworks from start to finish. UFC Vegas 117 takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, inside the Meta Apex, and fight fans are in for a treat with a card that blends rising contenders and seasoned veterans.
Headlining the Paramount+-streamed event is a pivotal Featherweight clash between England's Arnold Allen and Brazil's Melquizael Costa. Both fighters have plenty to prove in the 145-pound division, making this five-round main event one you won't want to miss. In the co-main event, South Korean knockout artist DooHo Choi takes on Daniel Santos in another Featherweight showdown that promises action from the opening bell.
Looking at the main event, Allen enters the cage looking to recapture the magic that made him one of the division's most feared contenders. Between 2015 and 2022, "Almighty" put together an incredible 10-fight winning streak—one of the best runs in recent Featherweight history. However, that streak was built on a slow schedule, with Allen often fighting just once a year. When he finally got his shot at elite competition, he came up short against Max Holloway, followed by a loss to Movsar Evloev. After bouncing back with a win over Giga Chikadze, Allen stumbled again, losing to Jean Silva. Now sitting at 1-3 in his last four outings, the 31-year-old is determined to rekindle the fire that once made him a rising star.
Standing across the cage is Costa, a Brazilian fighter known as "The Dalmatian" who has been on a hot streak inside the Octagon. With momentum on his side, Costa sees this as his opportunity to make a statement against a former top contender.
Event Details at a Glance:
What: UFC Vegas 117: Costa vs. Allen
When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Early Prelims: 5 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Main Card: 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+
Where: Meta Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Whether you're tuning in for the main event's redemption story or the co-main event's potential for highlight-reel finishes, UFC Vegas 117 has all the ingredients for a memorable night of fights. Get your gear ready, mark your calendars, and prepare for another thrilling chapter in UFC history.