Alessandro Costa Dominates on Action-Packed UFC Vegas 118 Prelims

Alessandro Costa seized an unexpected opportunity on Saturday, stepping in for Imanol Rodriguez on short notice and making a significant impact at UFC Fight Night 278. Competing at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Costa showcased his skills by defeating Matt Schnell with a flurry of punches in the first round of their 130-pound catchweight bout. Schnell's fight came to an end just 2:32 into the opening round, marking a setback in his career record of 17-11 (7-9 UFC).

The fight began with Costa (16-5, 4-3 UFC) adopting a strategic approach, carefully observing Schnell's movements before unleashing a powerful left hook that sent Schnell to the canvas. As Schnell attempted a desperate takedown, Costa capitalized, maintaining control and delivering a barrage of hammerfists until the referee stepped in to stop the contest.

In another highlight of the prelims, Marcus McGhee overcame a late replacement challenge from John Yannis, securing a unanimous decision victory in their bantamweight clash. McGhee (11-2, 5-1 UFC) showcased his versatility, utilizing both orthodox and southpaw stances to effectively outscore Yannis (10-5, 1-2 UFC) over three rounds, with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28.

Further down the card, Edgar Chairez, a former Combate Global champion, made quick work of Bruno Silva by executing a rear-naked choke in the first round of their flyweight match. Chairez (14-6, 4-2 UFC) finished Silva (15-9-2, 5-6 UFC) at 4:13, marking Silva's first submission loss since 2011.

In the women’s bantamweight division, Chelsea Chandler rebounded from recent defeats, submitting Priscila Cachoeira with an armbar in Round 1 at 3:42. Chandler (7-4, 3-3 UFC) demonstrated her grappling prowess after landing a significant left hook that set up her submission attempt.

Joanderson Brito also made a statement, defeating Jordan Leavitt by ninja choke in their featherweight bout, bringing Leavitt’s winning streak to an abrupt end. Finally, Ketlen Souza overwhelmed Ariane Carnelossi in their women's strawweight rematch, finishing the fight with punches and a head kick just 94 seconds into the first round, adding another impressive first-round stoppage to her record.