Kevin Holland emphatically stated he has no interest in a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, saying people can "go f*** themselves" with that suggestion. Brendan Allen, who previously claimed he would dominate Chimaev, visited Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions, with video footage showing the results. Carlos Ulberg announced he wants Magomed Ankalaev for his first title defense. Paulo Costa moved up to seventh in the light heavyweight rankings and called out champion Josh Hokit for a BMF title fight. Sean O'Malley is reportedly having difficulty dealing with Jiri Prochazka's recent loss. Video also surfaced of a college wrestling match between Bo Nickal and Josh Hokit, showing a much slimmer version of Hokit.
Kevin Holland made clear he wants nothing to do with a second fight against Khamzat Chimaev, using blunt language to shut down any suggestion of a rematch — telling those pushing the idea to "go f*** themselves."
Holland's rejection comes amid renewed attention on Chimaev following a visit from middleweight contender Brendan Allen. Allen, who had previously claimed he would dominate Chimaev, traveled to Chimaev's training camp for sparring sessions, with video footage from those sessions circulating publicly. Allen is ranked fifth in the middleweight division at 30 years old, carries a 26-7 record, and is one of the more well-rounded grapplers in the weight class, averaging 1.56 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
In light heavyweight news, Carlos Ulberg wasted no time after his title success, publicly calling out Magomed Ankalaev as his preferred opponent for a first title defense. Separately, Paulo Costa — now ranked seventh in the light heavyweight division after moving up from middleweight — added his name to the mix by calling out champion Josh Hokit for a BMF title fight. Costa, 35, holds a 16-4 record and brings elite striking volume to any division he enters, landing 6.26 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy across his career.
Adding an unusual footnote to the Hokit conversation, old college wrestling footage surfaced showing a noticeably slimmer Hokit competing against Bo Nickal, offering a glimpse at the champion's background before his UFC career.
Why it matters
- Holland's public refusal effectively closes the door on a Chimaev rematch at middleweight, narrowing the field of potential opponents for Chimaev
- Ulberg immediately staking a claim against Ankalaev shapes the light heavyweight title picture at the division's top end
- Costa's move to light heavyweight and callout of Hokit adds another high-profile name to an increasingly crowded divisional conversation
