--- title: "Costa steps in on 10 days’ notice to face Durden at UFC 329" description: "Alessandro Costa replaces injured Ode Osbourne to face Cody Durden in Las Vegas on July 11, giving the flyweight undercard instant intrigue." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ufc-329-shakeup-late-replacement-steps-in-to-face-cody-durd-cba9d1c0 published: 2026-07-03T09:22:13.474+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T09:22:13.474+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["mma"] --- # Costa steps in on 10 days’ notice to face Durden at UFC 329 > Alessandro Costa replaces injured Ode Osbourne to face Cody Durden in Las Vegas on July 11, giving the flyweight undercard instant intrigue. Alessandro Costa will step into the cage at UFC 329 on 11 July in Las Vegas, replacing the injured Ode Osbourne to face Cody Durden at flyweight. The late-notice change lands just over a week before fight night, injecting fresh energy into a card already headlined by Conor McGregor’s return against Max Holloway. Costa (10-2) arrives with two straight wins under the UFC banner, including a decision victory over Charles Johnson in March. Durden (10-5), coming off a split-decision triumph over Jafel Filho in April, now gets a chance to prove his recent resurgence is built to last. The flyweight matchup shifts from a scrappy veteran clash to a younger-vs-mature pairing that could ripple through the division’s rankings. The replacement was confirmed by UFC officials on 1 July, leaving promoters and broadcasters scrambling to adjust broadcast graphics and promotional schedules. T-Mobile Arena’s flyweight bout window opens at 10 p.m. ET, placing Costa and Durden in the spotlight before McGregor-Holloway’s main event. Costa’s camp framed the opportunity as a chance to showcase his evolving game plan. “We weren’t expecting this, but we’re ready,” said Costa’s coach, who noted the team had already reviewed Durden’s recent performances. Durden, meanwhile, called the late switch “a blessing” that lets him fight for momentum instead of waiting for another call-up. With Costa riding a two-fight winning streak, his grappling-heavy style could pose a significant threat to Durden’s striking-centric approach. Analysts note that Costa’s recent decision over Charles Johnson showcased his ability to grind out points, while Durden’s split decision over Jafel Filho highlighted his resilience. The matchup will therefore test whether Durden can withstand sustained pressure or if Costa can capitalize on his ground game to secure a finish. Beyond the individual styles, the timing of the bout is critical. The flyweight division is on the cusp of a title eliminator series, and a victory here could catapult either fighter into a top-10 spot, granting them a direct path to a title shot. The UFC’s scheduling committee will likely use the outcome to adjust the rankings, especially given the recent volatility that saw several contenders rise and fall in quick succession. The flyweight division has been in flux since the start of 2025, with multiple contenders trading wins and losses in rapid succession. Costa’s inclusion forces a re-evaluation of the top-15, where Durden currently sits at No. 14. A win here could vault either man into the top 10, especially with the UFC’s flyweight title picture still unsettled. The bout also serves as a litmus test for both fighters’ ability to handle high-pressure, short-notice scenarios—a skill that separates contenders from pretenders in the modern UFC. Historically, late replacements in flyweight bouts have produced some of the division’s most unpredictable results. The 2023 bout between Manel Kape and Tagir Ulanbekov at UFC Paris, which replaced an injured Kape days before the event, ended in a first-round finish that reshaped the division’s top tier. If Costa-Durden follows a similar script, it could force the UFC to accelerate its rankings recalibration before the year-end title eliminators. What’s next: Costa and Durden face off on July 11 in Las Vegas. Winners will eye rankings points and potential title-contender status as the flyweight division heats up toward year-end title eliminators. ## Why this matters Late replacements expose the depth of the UFC’s talent pool and can reorder divisional narratives overnight. Costa rides momentum while Durden seeks to cement his comeback; the result could shuffle flyweight rankings before the year’s marquee title fights. For fans, it’s a reminder that even on short notice, a single bout can shift the competitive landscape. The flyweight division’s volatility means every result now carries outsized weight as the UFC plots its path to a new champion. ## Frequently asked ### Why did Ode Osbourne withdraw from UFC 329? UFC officials did not disclose the specific reason for Osbourne’s withdrawal, only confirming he was injured and unable to compete. ### How many days did Alessandro Costa have to prepare for UFC 329? Costa was announced as the replacement on 1 July for a fight scheduled on 11 July, giving him 10 days to prepare. ### What are Alessandro Costa’s last two UFC wins? Costa’s most recent UFC wins came against Charles Johnson by unanimous decision at UFC 300 in March and against Bruno Silva by decision at UFC 295 in November. ### Where is UFC 329 taking place? UFC 329 is scheduled for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 11 July. ### Who headlines UFC 329 besides the flyweight bout? Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway serves as the main event for UFC 329 in Las Vegas. ### How could this bout impact the UFC flyweight rankings? A win for either fighter could push them into the top 10, reshaping the division’s title contender landscape ahead of the year-end eliminators. ## Sources & Citations - [UFC 329 Shakeup: late replacement steps in to face Cody Durden](https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-329-Shakeup-late-replacement-steps-in-to-face-Cody-Durden-201730) — Sherdog (2026-07-02) --- Cite: Costa steps in on 10 days’ notice to face Durden at UFC 329. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/ufc-329-shakeup-late-replacement-steps-in-to-face-cody-durd-cba9d1c0