Magomed Ankalaev and Paulo Borrachinha are standouts in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Magomed Ankalaev doesn't want to miss the opportunity to face Paulo Borrachinha in the UFC octagon. Since defeating Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi , the Russian has been the subject of speculation about a possible fight against the Brazilian and decided to provoke him after seeing the Minas Gerais native downplay the chance of the fight.
In a post on the social network X, Ankalaev stated that he had received a guarantee from Hunter Campbell, but had not yet received the expected response. In a provocative tone, the Russian urged Borrachinha to stop avoiding the duel.
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“Hunter Campbell promised me lunch, but I’m still hungry because my lunch keeps running away. Bring me my chicken, Paulo Costa,” said Magomed Ankalaev.
Hunter Campbell promised me lunch, but I'm still hungry because my lunch keeps running away. 😂
Bring me my chicken, Paulo Costa. 🍗
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) August 5, 2026
Ankalaev and Borrachinha are expected to fight for the light heavyweight title.
Despite Carlos Ulberg being the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), the division is moving towards the creation of an interim belt sometime in 2026. This is because the New Zealander suffered a knee injury in his victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327, held in April, and expects to return to the octagon only in 2027.
Given this scenario, Paulo Borrachinha and Magomed Ankalaev emerge as the main contenders to compete for the interim title, as they are the only names at the top of the category who are coming off a victory.
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