Magomed Ankalaev has once again issued a challenge to Alex Pereira, setting the stage for a possible rematch in October, sparking renewed interest in the light heavyweight division. This development follows their previous encounter, where Ankalaev secured a victory over the Brazilian in a high-stakes bout that captivated the MMA community.
Kevin Holland’s Unrelenting Fight Schedule Continues in 2025
Kevin Holland is making headlines for his relentless approach to competition, scheduled to fight for the fourth time this year at UFC 318 against Daniel Rodriguez. After a tough first-round submission loss to former ONE Championship titleholder Reinier de Ridder, Holland bounced back with key victories. He outperformed Gunnar Nelson on March 22 by unanimous decision, earning a Performance of the Night bonus, and later secured another bonus by submitting Vicente Luque via anaconda choke. Despite concerns over recovery time, Holland plans to return to the octagon with just over a month to prepare for his next contest, underscoring his unconventional approach to balancing rest and activity.
Holland’s busy schedule isn’t unprecedented; in 2022, he also fought four times, and his busiest year was 2020, when he participated in five UFC bouts alongside a grappling match. His pace is often debated among fans and analysts, with opinions split between admiration for his resilience and caution over potential risks.
Magomed Ankalaev Demands Another Fight With Alex Pereira This October
Magomed Ankalaev has reignited the rivalry with Alex Pereira by calling for a rematch scheduled in October, expressing an unwavering determination to end Pereira’s career decisively. Following their initial clash—where Ankalaev’s superior ground game neutralized Pereira’s striking threat—the Russian light heavyweight champion made his intentions clear on social media. On June 1, he accused Pereira of avoiding another fight, and more recently, Ankalaev tweeted,
October I will close the page and this guy career no mercy.
This strong statement highlights the tension between the two fighters and has set the stage for what could be a defining rematch, pending approval from UFC president Dana White and the organization’s matchmakers.
The rivalry between Ankalaev and Pereira has generated significant buzz due to their contrasting fighting styles and the stakes involved. Ankalaev’s grappling expertise versus Pereira’s punching power creates a compelling narrative for fans eager to see how the rematch would unfold.
Alexander Volkanovski’s Predictions for UFC 317 Matchups
Alexander Volkanovski, the reigning featherweight champion, has shared his insights on the fight card for UFC 317 ahead of International Fight Week. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Volkanovski analyzed several key bouts, expressing uncertainty about the matchup between Beneil Dariush and Renato Moicano but slightly favoring Moicano. He also predicted Joshua Van would defeat Brandon Royval, considering Van’s momentum an influential factor.
Volkanovski highlighted Kai Kara-France as a potential knockout contender against Alexandre Pantoja in their co-main event contest. For the headline bout—a battle to claim the soon-to-be vacant lightweight title—he expressed confidence in Ilia Topuria as the likely victor.
“I’m leaning towards Ilia Topuria. If Charles comes aggressive like that, Ilia’s gonna land some of them big bombs. I know a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, it’s lightweight division. His power won’t be there.’ Trust me. The power’s still there. I don’t think that he’s gonna play into it too much. So, I’m gonna go with Ilia as a new lightweight champ,”
Volkanovski said.
Further discussing the main event with Fox Sports Australia’s Niko Pajarillo, Volkanovski described the fight as dynamic and explosive:
They’re both exciting fighters. Stylistically, it’s going to be fireworks. I’ve got a feeling it’s going to finish very early, though. I don’t think it’s lasting very long.
He explained that Charles Oliveira, known as ‘Do Bronx,’ tends to pursue aggressive engagements, while Topuria, ‘El Matador,’ is skilled at laying traps, referencing Topuria’s previous knockout of Max Holloway to illustrate his striking power.
Implications for the Light Heavyweight Division and UFC’s Future
The ongoing tension between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira adds significant intrigue to the UFC’s light heavyweight division, with the potential rematch carrying major consequences for the title scene. Ankalaev’s challenge reflects his ambition not only to defend his championship status but also to eliminate any doubts about his dominance over Pereira. If the fight is confirmed for October, it will be a critical test for both athletes and a key moment in their careers.
Meanwhile, Kevin Holland’s aggressive fight schedule raises broader questions regarding athlete health and longevity in the sport. His ability to compete multiple times within short spans contrasts with the typical medical suspensions given to fighters for recovery and safety. This approach may influence other fighters and promotional practices related to matchmaking and athlete management.
Alexander Volkanovski’s predictions add further excitement to UFC 317, priming fans for a week filled with high-stakes bouts and dramatic outcomes. With star fighters like Ilia Topuria poised to challenge for a vacant title and volatile matches on the undercard, the event promises to deliver memorable moments.