Artem Vakhtov, who is helping Ciryl Gane prepare and was the last person to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing, claims Pereira will lose because he has gained too much muscle mass. In another development, Jiri Prochazka responded to accusations from Ulberg by dismissing complaints from a "stripper." Carlos Prates did a face-off with his daughter and Maddalena. Islam Makhachev confirmed he has started preparation for his next fight. Khamzat Chimaev commented on Sean Strickland's trash talk, comparing it to watching a clown at the circus and noting that Strickland's friends said he's just promoting the fight. Colby Covington complained that the UFC shows no interest in him and doesn't promote him for important events like the White House fight card, expressing willingness to give his final years to RAF.
Several storylines are circling the combat sports world heading into the final stretch of April 2026, from bold predictions about Alex Pereira's physical condition to colorful exchanges between fighters on social media.
Artem Vakhtov, the last man to defeat Alex Pereira in kickboxing and currently assisting Ciryl Gane in his camp, has gone on record stating that Pereira will lose his next fight. Vakhtov's reasoning centers on the Brazilian's physique, arguing that Pereira has added too much muscle mass and that the extra size will work against him.
Jiri Prochazka found himself in a public back-and-forth with Calvin Kattar Ulberg after the New Zealander leveled accusations at the Czech contender. Prochazka, ranked second in the light heavyweight division at 33 years old and carrying a 32-6-1 record, dismissed Ulberg's complaints by referring to him as a "stripper" — a blunt response that drew immediate attention online. The six-foot-three Czech orthodox fighter out of Jetsaam Gym Brno lands 5.69 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him one of the division's most dangerous offensive threats.
Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion holding a 28-1-0 record, confirmed publicly that he has begun preparations for his next bout. The 34-year-old Russian southpaw is among the most complete fighters in the sport, averaging 3.2 takedowns and 1.1 submission attempts per 15 minutes alongside a 58 percent striking accuracy.
Middleweight champion Sean Strickland's ongoing trash talk drew a response from Khamzat Chimaev, who compared listening to Strickland to watching a circus clown perform. Chimaev also noted that people close to Strickland have indicated the 35-year-old American is simply working to promote the fight. Strickland holds a 31-7-0 record and averages 6.04 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Vakhtov's Pereira comments carry weight given he is the last fighter to beat him and holds a direct scouting role inside Gane's camp
- Prochazka's public spat with Ulberg raises the temperature in a light heavyweight division already crowded with contenders
- Makhachev confirming camp has begun signals a welterweight title defense is closer than previously indicated
- Colby Covington publicly complained the UFC has shown no interest in promoting him for marquee events, including a reported White House fight card, and expressed willingness to commit his remaining years to RAF
