Kevin Holland has stated he wants to avenge his losses but refuses to consider a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev. Meanwhile, Brendan Allen, who had publicly claimed he would dominate Chimaev in a fight, traveled to Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions, with video footage showing the results. Carlos Ulberg announced he wants to face Magomed Ankalaev in his first title defense. Paulo Costa, who moved up to seventh in the light heavyweight rankings, has called out Josh Hockit for a BMF belt fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly struggling with Jiri Prochazka's loss. Additionally, vintage college wrestling footage between Bo Nickal and Josh Hockit has surfaced, showing a noticeably slimmer Hockit from his earlier days.
Kevin Holland has made clear he has no interest in a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, even as he publicly states his desire to avenge other losses on his record. The declaration comes amid a flurry of middleweight and light heavyweight news that also involves Brendan Allen, Paulo Costa, and Carlos Ulberg.
Allen, the fifth-ranked middleweight, had previously called out Chimaev and claimed he would dominate the Chechen-born contender. The American then backed up his words in an unusual fashion, traveling directly to Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions. Video footage from those sessions has since circulated online. Allen carries a 26-7 record and at 30 years old is one of the division's more well-rounded threats, averaging 1.56 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a 53 percent striking accuracy.
In the light heavyweight division, Carlos Ulberg has announced he wants Magomed Ankalaev as the opponent for his first title defense, setting up what could be a high-stakes matchup at the top of the 205-pound rankings.
Paulo Costa, now ranked seventh in the light heavyweight division after moving up from middleweight, has called out Josh Hockit for a BMF belt fight. The Brazilian carries a 16-4 record and lands 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him one of the sport's most aggressive pressure strikers at 35 years old.
Adding an unusual footnote to the Hockit storyline, vintage college wrestling footage featuring both Bo Nickal and Hockit has resurfaced, showing a noticeably leaner Hockit from his earlier competitive days.
Why it matters
- Holland's refusal to engage with a Chimaev rematch narrows the potential matchmaking options for both men in a crowded middleweight division
- Allen's sparring visit to Chimaev's camp adds genuine intrigue to their potential matchup, moving it beyond a simple verbal callout
- Costa's jump to light heavyweight and immediate targeting of a BMF fight signals an aggressive new chapter for the veteran striker
- Ulberg calling for Ankalaev as his first title defense would pit him against the division's second-ranked contender immediately
