On Saturday, May 17, 2025, UFC Fight Night 256 will feature a featherweight bout between Julian Erosa and Melquizael Costa. Both fighters are coming off impressive victories and are looking to continue their momentum in the division. This Julian Erosa vs Melquizael Costa matchup promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with Erosa’s well-rounded game facing off against Costa’s aggressive striking and submission skills.
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Julian Erosa vs Melquizael Costa Preview
Julian “Juicy J” Erosa (31-12) has been on a roll, winning his last three fights, all in the first round. His recent victories include a technical knockout over Darren Elkins and back-to-back guillotine choke submissions against Christian Rodriguez and Ricardo Ramos. Erosa’s ability to finish fights quickly and his experience in the octagon make him a formidable opponent.
Standing at 6’1″ with a 74.5-inch reach, Erosa utilizes his length effectively, often keeping opponents at bay with his striking before capitalizing on submission opportunities. Training out of Xtreme Couture and 10th Planet Las Vegas, he has honed his skills in both striking and grappling, making him a versatile threat in the featherweight division.
Melquizael Costa (23-7) is a rising star from Brazil, known for his aggressive style and finishing ability. With 7 knockouts and 8 submissions to his name, Costa has demonstrated his capability to end fights both on the feet and on the ground. His recent submission victory over Andre Fili showcased his evolving grappling skills, adding another dimension to his game.
At 27 years old, Costa brings youth and energy to the octagon. Training with Chute Boxe João Emilio and the Brazilian Martial Arts Center in Boston, he has developed a well-rounded skill set. Costa’s striking accuracy stands at 46%, and he has shown improved takedown defense in recent bouts, making him a challenging matchup for any featherweight.
Betting Insights
As of the latest odds from Sportzino, Melquizael Costa is favored to win, with bookmakers setting his odds at -175, while Julian Erosa is listed at +142. This indicates a closely contested matchup, with Costa’s recent winning streak and versatility giving him a slight edge in the eyes of oddsmakers.
Before you bet on Erosa vs Costa from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, be sure to take advantage of the Sportzino new player bonus that is currently up for grabs. There, players can get their hands on up to 45 bonus sweepstakes coins, which they can use to predict the outcome of this exciting matchup between featherweights.
Julian Erosa vs Melquizael Costa Prediction
This featherweight bout presents an intriguing matchup between Erosa’s experience and finishing ability and Costa’s aggressive striking and submission skills. Erosa’s recent form, including three consecutive first-round finishes, demonstrates his ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes quickly. His reach advantage and versatile skill set allow him to adapt to various fight scenarios.
However, Costa’s youth, power, and evolving grappling game make him a dangerous opponent. His recent submission win over a seasoned fighter like Andre Fili indicates his growth as a mixed martial artist. Costa’s pressure and willingness to engage could disrupt Erosa’s rhythm and create opportunities for a finish.
Considering both fighters’ strengths and recent performances, this fight is likely to be competitive and could end inside the distance. Erosa’s experience and recent momentum give him a slight advantage, but Costa’s aggression and finishing ability cannot be overlooked.
Prediction: Julian Erosa to win by submission in the second round.
Bettors looking for value might consider wagering on the fight ending inside the distance, given both fighters’ propensity for finishes. Erosa’s submission skills and Costa’s aggressive approach suggest that this bout may not go the full three rounds.
