Thiago Moises vs Melquizael Costa at UFC 283

THIAGO MOISES VS MELQUIZAEL COSTA FACTS

When is UFC 283? Sunday 22 January, 2023 - 01:00 start (UK)

Where is UFC 283? Jeunesse Arena, Rio de Janeiro, (Brazil)

Where can I get tickets for UFC 283?

What channel is UFC 283 on? BT Sport 1

Where can I stream UFC 283? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website

THIAGO MOISES VS MELQUIZAEL COSTA LOWDOWN

Thiago Moises (16-6) is back and has the momentum of a ‘Performance of the Night’ behind him. It was a ruthless submission over Christos Giagos which came off the back of getting finished twice. Firstly, to the current champion Islam Makhachev who handed him the first submission loss of his career and then Joel Alvarez knocked him out in the first round four months later.

He was scheduled to fight another beast in Guram Kutateladze. Unfortunately, he pulled out a couple weeks ago which has given Melquizael Costa (19-5) the opportunity for his UFC debut. He had a very busy 2022 kicking it off with a submission win over Angel Rodriguez (PFL). He then lost a unanimous decision to Italo Gomes (LFA) but responded with knockouts over Tom Santos (Presas Combat) and Jose Cleiton de Melo Jr (LFA).

THIAGO MOISES VS MELQUIZAEL COSTA PREDICTION

Costa steps up on short notice against the talented veteran and is unsurprisingly the underdog. That said, he is a tough fight for Moises. He is a big lightweight and will have a slight height and reach advantage.

He is a good striker and uses his range well. He is also very measured which will be crucial for a debut like this. However, Moises should be too good everywhere. The striking exchanges will be competitive, but Moises should have the upper hand and if the fight goes to the floor you have to have Moises all day.

Prediction: Moises via Submission -