Kevin Holland stated he wants to avenge his losses but refuses to consider a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev. Brendan Allen, who had previously claimed he would destroy Chimaev in a fight, traveled to Chimaev's 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 for a BMF title fight. Sean O'Malley is struggling emotionally after Jiri Prochazka's defeat. Footage was shared of a collegiate wrestling match between Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit.
Kevin Holland has ruled out a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, even as he publicly states his desire to settle scores from previous losses. Meanwhile, Brendan Allen — who had loudly proclaimed he would dismantle Chimaev in a fight — traveled to Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions, a striking turn given the trash talk that preceded the visit.
Allen, ranked fifth in the middleweight division, carries a 26-7 record and brings legitimate grappling credentials to any potential matchup. The 30-year-old American out of Kill Cliff FC averages 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him one of the more well-rounded grapplers in the division. His decision to spar with Chimaev rather than wait for a sanctioned bout raises questions about where that rivalry stands.
Paulo Costa has been making noise at light heavyweight, climbing to seventh in the rankings after moving up from middleweight. The Brazilian, nicknamed "The Eraser," owns a 16-4 record and remains one of the sport's most aggressive strikers, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career. Now 35, Costa is calling for a BMF title fight as he attempts to rebuild momentum in a new weight class.
Carlos Ulberg announced his intention to face Magomed Ankalaev as his first light heavyweight title defense, adding further intrigue to a division that already has Jiri Prochazka lurking at number two. The Czech Republic's Prochazka, who holds a 32-6-1 record and a six-foot-three frame with an 80-inch reach, has been generating unexpected attention after his recent defeat left Sean O'Malley openly struggling with the emotional fallout — an unusual response that underscores how much Prochazka's performances have resonated beyond the light heavyweight rankings.
Why it matters
- Holland's refusal to pursue a Chimaev rematch leaves a notable grudge match unresolved in the welterweight and middleweight picture
- Allen's camp visit blurs the line between rivalry and alliance, complicating middleweight contender dynamics
- Costa's rise to seventh at light heavyweight and his BMF callout signal a division growing increasingly crowded with big names
