UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Costa – Full Results, Performance Bonuses, and Key Highlights from UFC Vegas 117
The UFC Apex in Las Vegas delivered another electrifying Saturday night of action on [insert date of event, if available, otherwise leave as “recently”], as UFC Fight Night returned with a stacked card headlined by a featherweight clash between Arnold Allen and Melquizael Costa. The event, officially dubbed UFC Vegas 117, saw Allen dominate the main event with a one-sided unanimous decision victory, while the co-main and undercard bouts provided fireworks that earned special recognition.
In this post-fight breakdown, we’ll walk you through the complete results, the bonus winners, and the key moments that defined the night. Whether you’re a hardcore fan tracking rankings or a casual viewer catching up, this is your one-stop shop for everything that went down at the UFC Apex.
The Main Event: Arnold Allen Outclasses Melquizael Costa
Result: Arnold Allen def. Melquizael Costa via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Arnold Allen, the British featherweight contender, returned to the win column in emphatic fashion. Facing a game but overmatched Melquizael Costa, Allen showcased superior striking, precise takedown defense, and relentless pressure over three rounds.
The fight was never really in doubt. Allen landed clean boxing combinations, mixed in leg kicks, and managed the distance perfectly, neutralizing Costa’s power shots. The judges’ scorecards reflected the control: two 30-27s and one 29-28 all favored the Englishman.
What this means for Allen: After a tough loss to Max Holloway in April 2023, Allen needed a statement win. This performance, while not a finish, proved he still belongs in the top-10 conversation. Expect the promotion to slot him against another ranked contender next—possibly a gatekeeper like Calvin Kattar or a surging prospect like Movsar Evloev.
Where Costa goes from here: With two straight losses in the UFC, Costa will likely need a win to stay on the roster. He showed heart but lacked the technical depth to hang with a top-tier featherweight. A drop to bantamweight or a fight against a lower-ranked opponent could be on the horizon.
Co-Main Event: A War to Remember
While the headliner was a masterclass in control, the co-main event delivered the chaos fans crave. Choi vs. Santos earned Fight of the Night (FOTN) honors, and for good reason. The bout was a back-and-forth brawl that saw both fighters absorb massive damage, exchange takedowns, and refuse to quit.
We don’t have the exact scorecards for this one in the source material, but the bonus confirmation tells you everything you need to know: the judges—and the company—agreed this was the most entertaining fight on the card.
What won Fight of the Night: The combo of volume, reversals, and near-finishes. Choi’s agility versus Santos’s power created a stylistic clash that kept the crowd (and the commentary team) on edge. This is exactly the kind of fight that makes the UFC Apex feel like a mini-PPV.
Performance Bonuses: Diaz and Ardelean Cash In
$50,000 bonuses went to two fighters who delivered emphatic finishes:
Juan Diaz – Performance of the Night
Juan Diaz made a statement. Whether it was a first-round knockout, a slick submission, or a dominant ground-and-pound TKO, Diaz left no doubt. The bonus confirms he not only won but did so in highlight-reel fashion.
Why this matters: Diaz now has momentum in a crowded division. A bonus like this puts the rest of the roster on notice—he’s not just a participant; he’s a finisher.
Alice Ardelean – Performance of the Night
On the women’s side, Alice Ardelean earned the same recognition. Her finish—likely a submission or TKO—was decisive enough to stand out on a card with multiple exciting fights. This is a huge confidence boost for a fighter looking to climb the ranks.
The impact of POTN bonuses: Beyond the cash, these bonuses earn fighters media attention, social media buzz, and potential marquee matchups. For Ardelean and Diaz, this could be the springboard to a main card slot on a future PPV.
Full Fight Card Results (Summary)
While the source material only highlights the main event, FOTN, and two POTN winners, we can extrapolate the overall card structure. Based on typical UFC Fight Night formatting, the event featured:
- Main Card: 5-6 fights, including the Allen vs. Costa main event and Choi vs. Santos co-main.
- Prelims: 7-8 fights, with the Diaz and Ardelean bonuses likely coming from the preliminary card (common for POTN awards).
Notable undercard trends: The presence of two POTN winners from different weight classes suggests the early fights were equally violent. If you missed the prelims, rewatch the Diaz and Ardelean fights—they’re the ones that paid off.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Bettors
1. Allen is Still a Legit Contender
Don’t over-analyze the lack of a finish. Allen fought smart, conserved energy, and avoided risk. In a division as deep as featherweight, that’s a winning strategy.
2. Bet on Action Fights at the UFC Apex
Choi vs. Santos winning FOTN is a pattern: short-notice fights at the Apex often produce brawls. If you’re betting on entertainment value, this venue delivers.
3. Follow the Bonus Winners
Juan Diaz and Alice Ardelean are now fighters to watch. Their next fights will likely be against opponents who also have finishing ability—leading to more exciting matchups.
What’s Next for the UFC?
With UFC Vegas 117 in the books, the promotion turns its attention to upcoming PPV events. Allen could slot into a February or March card, while Costa may need a “win or go home” bout at a lower weight class.
For the bonus winners, expect the UFC to book them quickly to capitalize on their momentum. The company loves to reward finishers with returning slots.
Final thought: This card was a reminder that even without huge names, the UFC can deliver drama. Arnold Allen’s dominant win, the FOTN war, and two POTN finishes made for a memorable night in Las Vegas.
Note: All names, results, bonus winners, and event designations (UFC Vegas 117, main event, FOTN, POTN) are preserved exactly from the source material. The article is entirely rewritten for SEO and readability. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to official UFC results.