Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev climbed three places to fourth in the monthly top-15 ranking of Russian MMA fighters across all weight classes, following his early stoppage of Bogdan Guskov. Usman Nurmagomedov entered the list at eighth, while ACB light heavyweight champion Muslim Magomedov and UFC heavyweight Rizvan Kuniev made their debuts in the rankings. Islam Makhachev leads the table with 480 points, followed by Petr Yan and Khamzat Chimaev. The poll is compiled monthly by 30 MMA journalists, bloggers, and experts.

Makhachev, Kuniev, Chimaev+3

Robert Whittaker has issued a callout to Magomed Ankalaev, naming him as a desired opponent. Whittaker noted that Bogdan Guskov would also make a strong matchup and acknowledged that other names continue to circulate, but said there are plenty of options he is willing to fight.

Whittaker, Guskov

Tom Aspinall has been told not to fight under his current UFC contract, a development highlighted in ESPN’s latest UFC roundup. The issue matters because Aspinall is one of the division’s most important heavyweight names, and any restriction on his ability to compete affects title timing and matchmaking at the top of the class. The report adds pressure to an already complicated heavyweight picture as the UFC continues to sort out its championship landscape. The next step will depend on whether the contract dispute is resolved or escalates into a more serious standoff.

Aspinall, Gane, Pereira+3

Paulo Costa has publicly dismissed suggestions that he fight Magomed Ankalaev or Jiri Prochazka, arguing that Ankalaev's recent performance puts him closer to being cut than to a title shot. Costa, who knocked out Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 to break into the light heavyweight top five, insists he deserves a shot at the undisputed title. With champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined until at least 2027, Costa could be the UFC's first call if an interim title is introduced in the division.

Prochazka, Costa, Ulberg+1