​Alessandro Costa opened UFC 329 with a signature finish, delivering a dominant submission victory that added another highlight to his rapidly expanding resume. In the early action at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Costa, now 17-5 in MMA with a 5-3 record in the UFC, clinched a rear-naked choke against Cody Durden, who entered the cage at 18-11-1 in MMA and 7-9-1 inside the UFC. The finish came at 2 minutes and 19 seconds of the second round, capping a compelling contest that swung decisively Costa’s way as the bout progressed.
The opening round proved tightly contested, with two of the three judges scoring it for Durden, while a single judge saw it for Costa. The balance of momentum shifted in the second frame when Costa displayed deceptive speed, seizing Durden’s back almost as soon as the action hit the canvas. Once the grappling exchange began in earnest, Costa worked to secure the choke, and Durden, blood streaming down his face, fought for a moment but ultimately could not escape. The technique was tight, and the endurance gap became evident as Costa tightened the submission, ensuring Durden tapped out and ending the threat in persistent fashion.
Costa, at 30 years old, continues to show that he has found his stride in the UFC. UFC 329 marked his third consecutive finish, a trend that has emerged across three straight appearances since joining the company. His victory on Saturday came on short notice after Ode Osbourne withdrew from the bout, forcing Costa to step into the cage with little advanced preparation for the fight. The outcome underscored Costa’s readiness and willingness to seize opportunities, strengthening his position within a competitive middleweight division.
For Durden, 35, the result adds to a difficult stretch. It marks his seventh loss in nine UFC appearances, a record that places him in a precarious spot within the organization’s depth chart. Yet Durden remains a recognizable and entertaining fighter, known for action-filled performances and a willingness to step into short-notice opportunities when they arise. His durability and aggressive approach have earned him opportunities in the UFC, even as the losses mount.
Final result: Alessandro Costa defeated Cody Durden by submission, rear-naked choke, at 2:19 of Round 2. This bout contributed to an action-packed night at UFC 329, highlighting Costa’s rising trajectory and keeping Durden in the conversation as a fighter capable of delivering high-intensity performances on short notice. This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie, with coverage of Costa’s submission of Durden underscoring the event’s themes of resilience, opportunism, and evolving skill sets among UFC fighters.