This news digest covers several MMA stories. Islam Makhachev continues to hint at a return in July. New footage emerged of sparring between Brendan Allen and Khamzat Chimaev. Khamzat undergoes special recovery procedures every evening. Carlos Ulberg has begun knee rehabilitation work. Arman Tsarukyan's next fight in RAF will earn him at least a three percent ownership stake in the company. Peyton Talbott posted a Toy Story image tagging the UFC, seemingly hinting at cooling interest from the promotion in him.
Several unconfirmed reports and social media signals are pointing toward notable movement across the lightweight, middleweight, and welterweight landscapes, according to a digest of stories circulating as of April 23, 2026.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, has reportedly been hinting at a return to competition in July, though no official booking has been confirmed. The 34-year-old Russian holds a 28-1 record and is ranked pound-for-pound at the top of the sport. Fighting out of Eagles MMA, Makhachev averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and lands significant strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, underscoring why any timeline update around him carries immediate divisional weight.
In the middleweight division, new sparring footage has emerged showing Khamzat Chimaev and Brendan Allen working together in training. Chimaev, known as "Borz," is ranked first in the middleweight division and sits tenth in the pound-for-pound standings. The 32-year-old representing the UAE carries a 15-1 record and generates a remarkable 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes, while landing strikes at 60 percent accuracy. Separate reports indicate Chimaev undergoes specialized recovery procedures each evening. Allen, ranked fifth at middleweight, is a 30-year-old American with a 26-7 record fighting out of Kill Cliff FC. At six-foot-two with a 75-inch reach, he averages 3.59 significant strikes per minute and contributes grappling pressure of his own.
In other unverified news, Arman Tsarukyan's next appearance in the Russian fight promotion RAF is said to come with a reward beyond his fight purse — reportedly at least a three percent ownership stake in the organization. Separately, Peyton Talbott drew attention after posting a Toy Story image tagging the UFC, which observers have interpreted as a signal that the promotion's interest in him may be cooling.
Why it matters
- Makhachev's July hints could reshape lightweight and welterweight scheduling at the top of the card
- Chimaev-Allen sparring footage raises questions about a potential future middleweight matchup
- Tsarukyan's reported equity deal reflects a broader trend of fighters seeking ownership in emerging promotions
