This featherweight showdown features momentum clashing with finishing instincts as Melquizael Costa vs Morgan Charriere anchors the main card at UFC Vegas 112. The surging grappling specialist meets the dangerous knockout artist in a bout that could propel either fighter towards the top 15..
Costa stands 5’10” with a 71 inch reach and a 24-7 record. He showcases measured striking at 4.44 per minute with 49% accuracy while absorbing 3.09. His striking defense sits at 54% and his grappling presents elite threats with 1.96 takedowns per fight at 38% accuracy and dangerous 1.2 submission attempts. He has a vulnerable 58% takedown defense that presents problems when facing elite wrestlers.
Charriere measures 5’8″ with a 69 inch reach and 21-11-1 record. He showcases technical striking at 4.08 per minute with 50% accuracy while absorbing heavy 4.54. His striking defense registers at 53%, nearly matching Costa’s defensive capabilities and his grappling shows solid threat with 2.11 takedowns per fight at superior 46% accuracy and limited 0.3 submission attempts. He has an excellent 83% takedown defense that presents major challenges against grappling-heavy opponents.
This UFC fight breaks down to whether Costa’s slick submission game and four-fight winning streak momentum can overcome Charriere’s devastating knockout power and superior takedown defense. Costa’s path to victory requires implementing his active grappling to force Charriere into defensive scrambles. His submission attempts create finishing opportunities when grappling exchanges occur. The two-inch height advantage provides physical edge in clinch positions, while his activity level with four fights this year creates sharpness advantages.
Charriere’s powerful striking style makes Costa the perfect matchup to showcase his knockout credentials following the Landwehr finish. His ability to maintain distance and land clean power shots creates finishing opportunities before Costa closes distance for takedowns. His cleaner striking technique, superior takedown defense, and devastating knockout power should exploit Costa’s willingness to engage in striking exchanges where danger lurks.
If we bet on this fight, we are going with Morgan Charriere to win via unanimous decision.
Morgan Charriere enters as a slight favorite at -115 on FanDuel. Meanwhile, Melquizael Costa comes in at -111. The odds reflect an evenly-matched contest with very slight confidence in Charriere’s striking power and takedown defense against Costa’s grappling-heavy approach.
The odds for the fight going the distance stand at -180. The odds for an early finish are at +140. This reflects both fighters’ durability and Costa’s preference for grinding out victories through volume and grappling.
Here are the best bets for Melquizael Costa vs Morgan Charriere fight:
Fair price on the cleaner striker with defensive advantages. His powerful knockout ability combined with 83% takedown defense should neutralize Costa’s grappling while exploiting defensive vulnerabilities on the feet. The counter-striking style perfectly matches against Costa’s measured approach.
Excellent value for the knockout artist’s decision path. His ability to maintain striking distance and defend takedowns creates opportunities to win rounds through cleaner, more damaging shots across three rounds.
Costa’s four-fight decision streak and Charriere’s recent third-round finish pattern create potential for tactical exchanges that reach scorecards. Both featherweights possess durability and defensive awareness that should force the judges’ decision at UFC Vegas 112.
(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook)
(Image Credit: Steven Bisig – Imagn Images)
mma I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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