Ankalaev promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Magomed Ankalaev has a special reason for wanting to face Paulo Borrachinha in the UFC. After dominating Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi , held on July 25th, the Russian, along with the Brazilian, positioned himself as one of the favorites to challenge for a possible interim light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg). However, Ankalaev's interest in facing the fighter from Minas Gerais goes beyond the title fight.
In a post on X, Ankalaev explained that his desire to face Borrachinha is not related to the ease of the fight. The Russian highlighted the Brazilian as a great competitor and stated that he sees the duel as an opportunity to test his own skills against those of his opponent. He also made a point of emphasizing that there are no personal issues involved in his interest in the fight.
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“The reason I want to fight Paulo Costa is not because he is an easy fight, he is a great competitor and I want to test my skills against his skills. None of this is personal,” wrote Magomed Ankalaev.
The reason I want to fight Paulo Costa is not because he is an easy fight, he's a great competitor and I want to test my skills against his skills. None of this is personal.
— Muhammad big ANK Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) September 2, 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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