Magomed Ankalaev and Paulo Borrachinha are standouts in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
Magomed Ankalaev and Paulo Borrachinha , it seems, will not face each other in the UFC octagon, and, according to the Russian, the Brazilian is primarily responsible for this. Given the uncertainty surrounding the return of champion Carlos Ulberg , the Dagestani and the Brazilian have been identified as the main contenders to challenge for the interim light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg).
In a post on X, Ankalaev stated that Borrachinha had refused a fight between the two for the third time. The Russian also mocked the Brazilian's decision and declared that he would also avoid a duel against him.
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"My team told me today that Paulo Costa has refused a fight with me for the THIRD time now, I would also refuse a fight against myself," wrote Magomed Ankalaev.
I was being told by my team today that Paulo Costa turned down a fight with me for THIRD time now, I would turn the fight against me too.
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) September 1, 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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