LAS VEGAS – Jiu-jitsu. That’s what Alessandro Costa thinks will be the key to not only getting his hand raised on Saturday, but also getting a finish.
Costa (15-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) meets veteran Matt Schnell at UFC Fight Night 278 (Paramount+), which takes place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The Brazilian, who holds six submission wins, can see an avenue to work his grappling in this bout, get this fight on the ground, and eventually get a finish on Schnell (17-10 MMA, 7-8 UFC).
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“It’s 100 percent a great opportunity to use my jiu-jitsu, but also put on a show for the people,” Costa told MMA Junkie at the UFC Fight Night 278 media day. “Start upstairs, and yeah, absolutely there is an opportunity to finish on the ground.”
Costa took this bout on short notice, replacing Imanol Rodriguez. Despite not having a full camp, Costa had several reasons to be confident about taking this bout.
“I understand he’s experienced out there,” Costa said. “I’m not underestimating him at all. I understand he’s a tough opponent, but I do see a lot of opportunity to win. Actually, this is a fight that was scheduled about two years ago. I did an entire camp for him already, so I don’t even see the problem taking this fight on short notice because he had prepared for him before.”
Should Costa walk away with the win, he wants to remain busy. He only fought once in 2025 and would like to make up this year for the innactivity.
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“My goal this year was to do a minimum of three fights,” Costa said. “That’s what’s on my mind. I had plans to fight in Oklahoma City in July, so I was already training. I didn’t have an opponent or contract, but in my mind, I was fighting there, so that helped me to be prepared. I’m coming off a win, and that’s motivating me a lot. I’m happy to have good health, which is important; my mind is at ease, and I’m confident I’m getting the win.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 118’s Alessandro Costa eyes Matt Schnell stoppage
