Overview
- Magomed Ankalaev preserved his top‑contender status with a fifth‑round TKO of Bogdan Guskov in Abu Dhabi last weekend, but many criticized the fight for low action and lack of excitement.
- Paulo Costa moved up to light heavyweight in April and scored a third‑round head‑kick knockout of Azamat Murzakanov, and he is now publicly demanding the next title opportunity.
- Champion Carlos Ulberg suffered a torn ACL and is expected to be sidelined through the rest of 2026, creating pressure on the UFC to decide whether to wait or create an interim title.
- High‑profile voices, including analyst Kenny Florian, have argued the UFC should favor Costa for the next shot because of his marketability and knockout style rather than strictly following contender merit.
- Matchmaking remains unsettled: the UFC has not announced an interim fight, Costa has turned down some proposed short‑notice matchups, and Jiri Prochazka says he was offered a bout with Costa that Costa denies, leaving the division in flux.