Steve Garcia and Melquizael Costa Slated to Clash at UFC Fight Night in Austin on Dec. 2

🚨 #TeamIridium News 🚨

Our man @MeanMachine505 eyes his 3rd straight stoppage victory vs. Melquizael Costa on Dec. 2 ✍🏽 #TheDarkside pic.twitter.com/dUIqb1G5aj

— IridiumSportsAgency (@TeamIridiumISA) October 8, 2023

The lineup of “UFC Austin” continues to take shape, with the addition of a compelling scrap between two up-and-coming featherweights.

Steve Garcia (14-5) will take on Melquizael Costa (20-6) as the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to the Texas capital on Dec. 2. The matchup was first announced by Garcia’s management firm, Iridium Sports Agency. After going 1-2 in his first three UFC outings, the Jackson-Wink MMA export seems to have found some momentum. “Mean Machine” will look to extend the first win streak of his UFC run, as he carries the momentum of back-to-back knockout wins over Chase Hooper and Nuerdanbieke Shayilan into the bout.

Costa stepped up on short notice for his promotional debut against Thiago Moises at UFC 283 in January, where he suffered a submission loss. The 27-year-old Brazilian who goes by “Melk” and “Kaut” bounced back with a dominant decision win over Austin Lingo at UFC on ESPN 49 on July 15.

The UFC’s as-yet unnumbered upcoming event in Austin, Texas, is scheduled to take place at Moody Center on Dec. 4. The lineup has not yet been finalized, but the stated main event is set to feature former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier against surging contender Roman Dolidze in a matchup with potential immediate title implications.