Kevin Holland stated he wants to avenge his losses but specifically refuses a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev. Brendan Allen, who previously claimed he would destroy Chimaev, traveled to his training camp for sparring sessions. Carlos Ulberg announced he wants to face Magomed Ankalaev in his first title defense. Paulo Costa moved up to seventh in the light heavyweight rankings and called out Josh Hokit for a BMF belt fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly struggling with Jiri Prochazka's recent loss. A college wrestling video surfaced showing Bo Nickal versus Josh Hokit, revealing that Hokit was significantly leaner in his earlier days.
Kevin Holland has made clear he has no interest in a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, even as he insists he wants to settle other scores on his record. The welterweight veteran drew a firm line at facing Chimaev again despite an apparent willingness to pursue other revenge bouts.
The Chimaev storyline grew more layered this week when fifth-ranked middleweight Brendan Allen, who had previously claimed he would dismantle Chimaev in a fight, instead traveled to Chimaev's training camp to take part in sparring sessions. Allen, who carries a 26-7 record and fights out of Kill Cliff FC, is one of the more well-rounded middleweights in the division at 30 years old. The six-foot-two American averages 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts in the same span, making him a credible grappling threat on paper.
Light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg used the moment to announce his preferred first title defense, calling out Magomed Ankalaev. That would be a significant fight at the top of a stacked 205-pound division where second-ranked Jiri Prochazka, the 33-year-old Czech knockout artist, is also reportedly weighing on the mind of Sean O'Malley following a recent loss. Prochazka lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy and owns a six-foot-three frame with an 80-inch reach.
Meanwhile, Paulo Costa has climbed to seventh in the light heavyweight rankings after moving up from middleweight, where he ranked 13th. The Brazilian striker, nicknamed The Eraser, lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across a 16-4 career and is now calling out Josh Hokit for a BMF belt fight. Hokit's name surfaced separately this week when a college wrestling video showing him against Bo Nickal circulated online, drawing attention to how much leaner Hokit was during his wrestling days.
Why it matters
- Holland's Chimaev refusal narrows the field of potential opponents for the surging Chechen contender
- Allen's sparring visit complicates his earlier trash talk and raises questions about his next booking
- Ulberg staking out Ankalaev sets an early tone for his championship reign at light heavyweight
