Ankalaev responds to Borrachinha and ignites rivalry in the UFC: 'My little chicken'

Ankalaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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Magomed Ankalaev decided to respond to Paulo Borrachinha 's provocations . Last Friday (17), the Brazilian mocked the Russian's level and classified a possible fight between them as an 'overrated duel', which ended up irritating the former UFC light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg).

In response, Ankalaev used social media to attack the Brazilian, stating that Borrachinha has a very low technical level and IQ, and also treated him in a derogatory way by downplaying his relevance as an opponent.

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"Paulo Costa is a very low-level fighter, with a very low IQ. He's my little chicken," wrote Magomed Ankalev.

IQ. Он мой цыплёнок.

— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) July 17, 2026

Paulo Borrachinha declined to fight Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Paulo Borrachinha was close to taking over the main fight at UFC Abu Dhabi , scheduled for next Saturday (25), but opted not to accept the challenge. After Khalil Rountree 's injury , which left the card without a main event, the Ultimate sought the Brazilian as a possible replacement to face Magomed Ankalaev.

However, Borrachinha refused the offer, citing the short preparation time of only 13 days, as well as the absence of an interim title at stake. Faced with this refusal, the organization moved to plan B and scheduled Bogdan Guskov to face the Russian in the main event.

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