Kevin Holland stated he generally wants to avenge his losses but definitively ruled out a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev. Brendan Allen, who previously claimed he would dominate Chimaev, visited his training camp for sparring sessions with results shown on video. Carlos Ulberg announced he wants Magomed Ankalaev as his opponent for his first title defense. Paulo Costa moved up to seventh in the light heavyweight rankings and called out Josh Hockett for a BMF title fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly struggling to cope with Jiri Prochazka's recent loss, and footage emerged of a college wrestling match between Bo Nickal and Josh Hockett, showing a much slimmer version of Hockett.
Kevin Holland has made it clear he has no interest in running back his fight with Khamzat Chimaev, even as several storylines continue to swirl around the Chechen contender. Meanwhile, light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg has named Magomed Ankalaev as his preferred first title defense, and Paulo Costa has shifted divisions and called for a BMF title bout with Josh Hockett.
Holland's stance is notable given his stated general desire to avenge his losses, making Chimaev a specific and deliberate exception. Adding another layer to the Chimaev conversation, number-five-ranked middleweight Brendan Allen followed up his earlier public claim that he would dominate Chimaev by visiting his training camp for sparring sessions, with footage of those sessions circulating online. Allen, who holds a 26-7 record with Kill Cliff FC, is one of the more complete middleweights in the division at 30 years old, averaging 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a 53 percent striking accuracy.
Ulberg's call for Ankalaev sets up a potential blockbuster in the light heavyweight division. The champion's preferred opponent carries serious credentials, and a matchup at the top of 205 pounds would have significant title implications.
Costa's move up to light heavyweight has already landed him at number seven in that division's rankings. The Brazilian, who carries a 16-4 record and one of the sharpest striking outputs in the UFC at 6.26 significant strikes landed per minute with 58 percent accuracy, is now targeting Hockett for a BMF title fight. Speaking of Hockett, old college wrestling footage has surfaced showing him in a match against Bo Nickal, the footage drawing attention for how different Hockett looked at that stage of his athletic career.
Elsewhere, Sean O'Malley is reportedly taking the recent loss of Jiri Prochazka particularly hard. The Czech standout, ranked second at light heavyweight with a 32-6-1 record and a massive 80-inch reach, had been one of the division's most dynamic figures before his setback.
Why it matters
- Holland's Chimaev refusal narrows the field of viable rematches for the contender
- Allen's sparring visit keeps the Chimaev-Allen narrative alive heading into any future booking
- Ulberg naming Ankalaev gives the light heavyweight title picture a clear frontrunner for next challenger
- Costa's divisional move and BMF callout adds star power to an already crowded 205-pound landscape
