Alexander Volkov

Magomed Ankalaev has dismissed Alex Pereira as his toughest career opponent, instead naming Thiago Santos as the most dangerous fighter he has faced. Ankalaev said Pereira is a comfortable matchup for him and that he simply ran out of time in their rematch, adding that a mental injury held him back from performing to his potential. On a potential Pereira vs. Alexander Volkov matchup at heavyweight, Ankalaev — who has sparred with Volkov — said it would be an easy fight for Volkov, describing his kicks as hitting like a crowbar.

Alexander VolkovMagomed AnkalaevAlex PereiraThiago Santos

Anatoly Malykhin re-enters the top 15 of the monthly Russian MMA rankings after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch. Following the victory, Malykhin announced his retirement from MMA, meaning he will be ineligible for future editions of the poll. Islam Makhachev leads the rankings, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. The rankings are compiled monthly by 32 MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts.

Islam MakhachevAlexander VolkovUmar NurmagomedovKhamzat Chimaev+7

Islam Makhachev tops the latest monthly pound-for-pound ranking of Russian MMA fighters, compiled by 32 journalists, bloggers, and experts. Petr Yan sits second and Khamzat Chimaev third, while Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov share fourth. Anatoly Makhachev re-entered the top 15 after knocking out Umar Khan in a rematch, though he subsequently announced his retirement and will not be eligible for future editions of the ranking.

Islam MakhachevAlexander VolkovUmar NurmagomedovKhamzat Chimaev+7

Islam Makhachev leads the latest monthly Russian MMA pound-for-pound rankings compiled by 32 journalists and experts, with Petr Yan second and Khamzat Chimaev third. Anatoly Malykhin returned to the top 15 at No. 14 following his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch, but will not be eligible for future rankings after announcing his retirement from MMA. Alexander Volkov and Vadim Nemkov are tied at fourth, with Arman Tsarukyan sixth and Magomed Ankalaev seventh.

Islam MakhachevAlexander VolkovUmar NurmagomedovKhamzat Chimaev+7

Anatoly Malaykhin has returned to the top 15 of Russia's pound-for-pound fighter rankings following his knockout victory over Umar Khan in their rematch. The rankings, compiled monthly by 32 Russian MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts, place Islam Makhachev first with 512 points, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. Malaykhin, ranked 14th, will not be eligible for future editions of the list after announcing his retirement from MMA following the win.

Islam MakhachevAlexander VolkovUmar NurmagomedovKhamzat Chimaev+7

UFC CEO Dana White laid out the promotion’s main-event schedule leading up to the White House card, including several matchups that shape the title picture across multiple divisions. The slate includes bouts such as Aljamain Sterling vs. Youssef Zalal, Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland, and Belal Muhammad vs. Gabriel Bonfim, giving fans a clearer view of the next stretch of UFC programming. The announcement matters because it confirms how the UFC is sequencing major fights and building toward its summer showcase. Additional bout announcements and card reshuffling are likely as injuries and negotiations continue.

Jiri ProchazkaGabriel BonfimArnold AllenSean Strickland+20