Kevin Holland stated he always wants to avenge his losses but explicitly refuses a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, saying "no, guys, go to hell with that offer." Brendan Allen, who claimed he would destroy Chimaev in a fight, traveled to Chimaev's 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 7 in the light heavyweight rankings and called out Josh Howitt for a BMF belt fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly struggling emotionally following Jiri Prochazka's loss. Additionally, footage surfaced of a college wrestling match between Bo Nickal and Josh Howitt, showing a much slimmer version of Howitt from his earlier athletic days.
Kevin Holland has made clear he has no interest in a second fight with Khamzat Chimaev, delivering a blunt rejection of any rematch discussion while several other stories emerged around the UFC's middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
Holland, who lost to Chimaev in a previous meeting, acknowledged he generally wants to avenge defeats but drew a firm line at this particular opponent, telling fans in no uncertain terms to drop the idea entirely. His dismissal was pointed and public, leaving little room for interpretation.
Meanwhile, fifth-ranked middleweight Brendan Allen took a different approach to the Chimaev conversation. The 30-year-old American, who trains out of Kill Cliff FC and carries a 26-7 record, traveled directly to Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions, with footage of the sessions appearing on video. Allen had previously stated he believed he would dominate Chimaev in a fight. A well-rounded grappler, Allen averages 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes, making him a credible threat in that department.
In the light heavyweight division, Carlos Ulberg publicly called out Magomed Ankalaev, stating he wants to challenge for the title in Ankalaev's first defense.
Paulo Costa, ranked 13th at middleweight but now listed at number seven in the light heavyweight rankings, added another wrinkle by calling out Josh Howitt for a BMF belt contest. The Brazilian striker known as "The Eraser" brings serious offensive output wherever he competes, averaging 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his 16-4 career.
Why it matters
- Holland's refusal removes a potential fan-favorite rematch from the middleweight picture
- Allen visiting Chimaev's camp in person keeps that rivalry simmering and on tape
- Ulberg's callout adds pressure on the light heavyweight title picture heading into Ankalaev's first defense
- Costa's divisional move to light heavyweight at 35 reshapes his career trajectory and opens new matchup possibilities
Separately, footage resurfaced of a college wrestling match featuring Bo Nickal and a noticeably slimmer Josh Howitt, offering a glimpse into both fighters' backgrounds before their UFC careers took shape.
