Kevin Holland stated he always wants to avenge his losses, but specifically rejected any proposal to rematch Khamzat Chimaev. Brendan Allen, who claimed he would destroy Chimaev, visited his training camp for sparring sessions with results shown on video. Carlos Ulberg declared he wants to face Magomed Ankalaev in his first title defense. Paulo Costa moved up to number seven in the light heavyweight rankings and called out Josh Hokit for a BMF belt fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly having a difficult time dealing with Jiri Prochazka's loss. A college wrestling video surfaced showing a match between Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit, with Hokit appearing much leaner than currently.
Several notable storylines emerged from the MMA world on April 14, with Kevin Holland, Carlos Ulberg, and Paulo Costa all making headlines through statements and roster moves.
Kevin Holland made clear he has no interest in a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev. Holland acknowledged that he generally wants to avenge his losses, but drew a firm line when it came to Chimaev specifically, rejecting any suggestion of a second meeting between the two. Separately, middleweight contender Brendan Allen visited Chimaev's training camp for sparring, with footage from the sessions circulating online. Allen, who has publicly stated he would destroy Chimaev, is 26-7 and ranked fifth at middleweight. The 30-year-old American out of Kill Cliff FC averages 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a credible grappling threat for anyone he steps in with.
Light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg announced his preferred first title defense: Magomed Ankalaev. Ulberg's call-out sets up what could be a high-profile showdown at the top of the 205-pound division.
Paulo Costa, meanwhile, has moved to number seven in the light heavyweight rankings despite being listed as a middleweight in the database at number 13. The 35-year-old Brazilian, nicknamed The Eraser, lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy and has called out Josh Hokit for a BMF belt fight. A college wrestling video also resurfaced showing a much leaner Hokit competing against Bo Nickal on the mat.
Rounding out the day's notes, Sean O'Malley is reportedly struggling with the recent loss suffered by Jiri Prochazka. The Czech fighter, ranked second at light heavyweight with a 32-6-1 record, stands six-foot-three with an 80-inch reach and has been one of the division's most exciting figures with 5.69 significant strikes landed per minute.
Why it matters
- Holland's Chimaev refusal narrows the field of potential opponents for the unbeaten Chechen contender
- Ulberg targeting Ankalaev signals the light heavyweight title picture is beginning to take shape
- Costa's divisional move and Hokit call-out adds an unexpected wrinkle to the BMF belt conversation
