Alessandro Costa targets third knockout in 99 days at UFC 329

Alessandro Costa will attempt to land his third knockout in 99 days when he meets Cody Durden on the preliminary card at UFC 329 in Las Vegas this Saturday.

The Brazilian flyweight stopped Stewart Nicoll in April, then returned in June to finish Matt Schnell in the first round. Now he steps in on short notice to replace Ode Osbourne on the Max Holloway versus Conor McGregor International Fight Week card. Costa told MMA Fighting the quick turnaround was possible because his last outing ended fast and he stayed injury-free. He kept his weight low expecting another call. "At the point we're at now, opportunities come when you least expect them," he said. "So I told myself this was going to be a big year for me."

Costa eyes Noche UFC and ranked opposition after Durden fight

Costa absorbed only eight significant strikes against Schnell and plans to push for four or even five bouts in 2026. Durden enters off an upset win over Jafel Filho but carries six losses in his past seven UFC appearances before that result. Costa described him as an all-or-nothing fighter who mixes strikes with scrambles and takedowns. "My jiu-jitsu is very dangerous, and so is my striking," Costa said, per MMA Fighting. "He's a little more open and a little looser with his style, so I think it's going to be a great fight."

All four of Costa's UFC wins have come by knockout and he has collected bonuses in three of them. The 30-year-old, who lives in Mexico, already has his sights on the yet-to-be-announced Noche UFC card in September. He competed on last year's Noche event in San Antonio, dropping a decision to Alden Coria while teammate Diego Lopes headlined. Costa said a win on Saturday will earn him the right to call for a ranked opponent, with Tim Elliott and a rematch against Amir Albazi both on his list.

Costa lost to Albazi in his UFC debut on 10 days' notice and believes he is far better prepared now. The Durden bout takes place at the T-Mobile Arena as part of UFC 329's preliminary portion.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — UFC 329’s Alessandro Costa seeks 3rd knockout in 99 days for ‘big year’ and Noche UFC slot | MMA Fighting