Magomed Ankalaev to Face Bogdan Guskov in UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event After Rountree Pullout

Magomed Ankalaev Bogdan Guskov UFC Abu Dhabi short‑notice replacement Khalil Rountree injury

UFC Fight Night on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will feature a light‑heavyweight main event between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and short‑notice replacement Bogdan Guskov. The pairing was arranged after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew with an injury.

Ankalaev (21‑2‑1) enters as the top‑ranked contender and heavy favorite, listed at -460 on betting odds (about an 80% implied chance). Guskov (18‑3‑1), ranked No. 10, is an all‑finish fighter with 13 first‑round stoppages and is priced at +360. The bout is co‑promoted by the UFC and Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism.

Comments from fellow UFC fighters Paulo Costa and Jan Blachowicz noted that the short‑notice offer for the fight was unreasonable, underscoring the unusual nature of the replacement.

Sources

Paulo Costa And Jan Blachowicz Say Short-Notice UFC Abu Dhabi Offer For Magomed Ankalaev Made No Sense | MiddleEasy [middleeasy.com]

13 days ago

Magomed Ankalaev reacts to Paulo Costa turning down short-notice fight: "They need 10 years" [www.bjpenn.com]

13 days ago

Magomed Ankalaev Vs. Bogdan Guskov Odds: Can The Short-Notice Finisher Pull Off The Upset? [www.lowkickmma.com]

10 days ago

Rountree Injury Makes Way for New UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event [cagesidepress.com]

13 days ago

BOGDAN GUSKOV BRINGS HIS PERFECT FINISHING RECORD TO UFC® FIGHT NIGHT ABU DHABI MAIN EVENT AGAINST MAGOMED ANKALAEV - Middle East Business News and Information - mid-east. info [mid-east.info]

12 days ago