Author: Chandra Moulee Das
At UFC Fight Night, Melquizael Costa showed his dominance and secured his first win against Austin Lingo in the featherweight division using his heavy body kick attack. With his left-footed stance, Costa was involved in an open stance confrontation against Lingo.
Costa’s body kicks proved particularly effective, creating a long reach that nullified Lingo’s boxing attacks. Costa successfully dodged Lingo’s blows and landed a significant blow when he landed a front kick to Lingo’s body in the middle of the first round. The round potentially ended with a score of 10-8 in Costa’s favour, as Lingo struggled to land his punches and was repeatedly hurt by kicks to the body.
Posting this for when DC inevitably refers to melquizael costa as ‘this guy’ because he can’t remember his name but probably remembers his vitiligo pic.twitter.com/oJt68byuEM
– Josie Aldo (@MMAWretch) July 16, 2023
In the second round, Lingo was immediately caught by a left hand from Costa. Lingo tried to fight back with kicks to the legs, but these were his only successful blows. However, Lingo managed to land a powerful punch that hurt Melquizael, causing him to fall to his knees. Costa recovered quickly and handled the situation well. Despite Lingo’s momentary success, it seemed unlikely that he would win the fight without a knockout or finish in the last round.
Melquizael Costa vs. Austin Lingo
Sickening body shots by Costa throughout 15 hard fought minutes
Lingo is tough as nails. pic.twitter.com/DrGpcKGseY
– 𝒮𝓀𝓎𝓁𝑜 (118 days until Jon 🦴 kills Stipe) (@YT_SKYLO1) July 16, 2023
In the third and final round, Lingo pressed aggressively. Costa responded with a takedown attempt, temporarily halting Lingo’s pressure. Lingo had another important moment when he landed a two-strike combo that threw Costa’s head back. Costa tried a judo throw, but Lingo recovered his balance.
Melquizael Costa gets the decision victory over Austin Lingo (30-27 X2, 30-26) #UFC #UFCFightNight #MMA #MMATwitter pic.twitter.com/6qUmqXCppO
– ScottishProblem (@ScottishProble) July 16, 2023
Remaining patient, Costa seized the opportunity and applied a forearm under Lingo’s chin, attempting a choke. Lingo managed to escape the tackle, rolling onto his back with Costa on top. Lingo adopted a defensive posture, hoping to get to his feet, but Costa once again managed to get a rear body block. Costa managed to drag Lingo to the mats and attempted a rear naked choke and an arm-in guillotine before the final bell, but Austin Lingo managed to survive the fifteen minutes.