The UFC is gearing up for a thrilling return to Seattle, with UFC Fight Night 252 set to electrify fans at Climate Pledge Arena on February 22, 2025. As the event draws near, the fight card continues to evolve, with the latest addition pitting veteran featherweight Andre Fili against the rising Melquizael Costa in what promises to be an explosive matchup.
Andre Fili will fight Melquizael Costa at #UFCSeattle on February 22nd. (first rep. @mma_kings) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/TaymGMgA1N
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) January 24, 2025
Hometown Hero Returns
Andre Fili, born in Federal Way, Washington, is set to make a triumphant return to his home state. The 34-year-old veteran, boasting a professional record of 24 wins and 11 losses, has been a mainstay in the UFC’s featherweight division for over a decade. Fili’s last outing in June saw him secure a hard-fought split decision victory over the legendary Cub Swanson, pushing his recent record to an impressive 3-2 in his last five bouts.
Andre Fili defeats Cub Swanson via split decision pic.twitter.com/6jLm2HD7gu
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) June 30, 2024
Known for his well-rounded skill set and never-say-die attitude, Fili has become a fan favorite over the years. His ability to engage in striking battles while also possessing a solid ground game makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. The hometown crowd will undoubtedly be behind Fili as he looks to climb the featherweight rankings and make a push towards title contention.
Costa Aims to Continue Momentum
Standing across the Octagon from Fili will be the Brazilian powerhouse, Melquizael Costa. With a professional record of 21 wins and 7 losses, Costa has shown flashes of brilliance in his UFC tenure thus far. The 28-year-old is riding high on the momentum of his recent victory over Shayilan Nuerdanbieke in June, where he showcased his grappling prowess by securing a rear-naked choke submission.
Melquizael Costa defeats Shayilan Nuerdanbieke via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in the 3rd at UFC Vegas 93
(@espnmma) pic.twitter.com/pPAnoelZBx
— The Octagon Obsessed (@octagonobsessed) June 16, 2024
Costa’s UFC journey has been a rollercoaster ride, with the Brazilian currently holding a 2-2 record in the promotion. However, his recent performances suggest that he’s finding his footing at the highest level of the sport. A win over a seasoned veteran like Fili would undoubtedly be the biggest of Costa’s career and could propel him into the featherweight division’s top 15.
UFC Seattle Shaping Up Nicely
The addition of Fili vs. Costa adds further depth to an already stacked UFC Fight Night 252 card. The event is headlined by a bantamweight clash between former two-division champion Henry Cejudo and the surging Chinese prospect Song Yadong. The co-main event features another bantamweight showdown, with former champion Dominick Cruz taking on the hard-hitting Rob Font.
Other notable bouts on the card include a women’s bantamweight contest between Macy Chiasson and Ketlen Vieira, as well as a lightweight scrap featuring the always-exciting Edson Barboza against Steve Garcia. The main card is rounded out by a middleweight clash between Brendan Allen and Anthony Hernandez.
With less than a month to go until fight night, the anticipation continues to build. Whether you’re a long-time MMA aficionado or a casual fan, UFC Fight Night 252 in Seattle promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of combat sports excellence.
