Overview

• Magomed Ankalaev issued an Instagram statement framing the defeat as a test from Allah and thanked supporters as he looks to regroup.
• Pereira criticized Ali Abdelaziz in a post-fight message, accusing the manager of seeking fame and money through online promotion.
• Team messages and multiple outlets indicated an immediate trilogy is unlikely after the emphatic finish, putting focus on contenders such as Carlos Ulberg.
• Merab Dvalishvili defended the bantamweight title over Cory Sandhagen by decision, logging 20 takedowns and reinforcing his dominant reign.
• Youssef Zalal submitted Josh Emmett with an armbar in under two minutes to extend his winning streak, drawing praise from Dana White despite no bonus award.