Melquizael Costa UFC Fight Night After Vitiligo
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- Melquizael Costa heads his first UFC Fight Night main event on Saturday, facing opponent Allen.
- Melquizael Costa grew up in Brazil with vitiligo, leading his parents to keep other children away and causing him to avoid crowds.
- Melquizael Costa overcame his fear of exposing his skin after a teammate asked him to pose shirtless for a gym photo, realizing “no one cared.”
- Melquizael Costa earned his father's support after his second knockout, and his father now calls him before every fight.
- Melquizael Costa was inspired by UFC veteran Scott Jorgensen, who also has vitiligo, after seeing him in a video game, which helped him envision a fighting career.
Why it matters: Fans gain a free live stream of Costa’s Saturday main event on Paramount+, and the broadcast showcases a fighter with vitiligo, providing representation for viewers worldwide and inspiring others with the condition.
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