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8 clusters · 75 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Ankalaev Wins, Light‑Heavyweight Title Shot Secured

Entities: Abu Dhabi · Etihad Arena · Bogdan Guskov · UFC · Magomed Ankalaev

Overview

On July 25 2026, UFC Fight Night at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena featured former champion Magomed Ankalaev against short‑notice replacement Bogdan Guskov. Ankalaev stopped Guskov via technical knockout at 2:41 of the fifth round, showcasing disciplined distance management, striking and grappling. The win marked Ankalaev’s first victory since losing his title to Alex Pereira in October 2025, improving his record to 22‑2‑1 and restoring him to top‑contender status with a guaranteed future light‑heavyweight title shot.

Guskov, ranked ninth and stepping in only two weeks before the bout, fell to a 18‑4‑1 record. He later posted on Instagram that he will not give up and hopes for a rematch with Ankalaev. The undercard continued to highlight a strong Brazilian presence, including fighters such as Valter Walker and Brendson Ribeiro.

The event was streamed live on Paramount+ with a pre‑show on Pluto TV, YouTube and UFC Fight Pass.

Timeline

  1. about 21 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Magomed Ankalaev defeats Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi

    Magomed Ankalaev stopped short‑notice Bogdan Guskov by TKO at 2:41 of round 5 in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event; Guskov pledged a rematch.

  2. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 58 sources
    Magomed Ankalaev defeats Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi, boosting title hopes

    Magomed Ankalaev knocked out Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round at UFC Abu Dhabi, keeping his light‑heavyweight title bid alive.

  3. 5 days ago

    [SPORTS] 2 sources
    UFC Abu Dhabi Media Day Highlights Ankalaev–Guskov Preview and ONE Championship Nakee KO

    UFC's Abu Dhabi media day featured Ankalaev and Guskov answering press ahead of their fight, and two days later ONE newcomer Nakee scored a first‑round KO of Petbancha.

  4. 6 days ago

    [SPORTS] 12 sources
    Magomed Ankalaev to face Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25

    Magomed Ankalaev faces Bogdan Guskov in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event on July 25, after stepping in for an injured opponent; a win would revive his title hopes.

  5. 8 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Jan Błachowicz signs new UFC contract ahead of Belgrade fight with Navajo Stirling

    Jan Błachowicz signs a new UFC contract and will fight unbeaten Navajo Stirling at UFC Fight Night in Belgrade on Aug 1, after his original opponent Bogdan Guskov was moved to Abu Dhabi.

  6. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Jan Błachowicz to face undefeated Navajo Stirling in co‑main at UFC Belgrade

    Former champion Jan Błachowicz will face unbeaten Kiwi Navajo Stirling in the co‑main of UFC’s first Serbian event on 1 August, after original opponent Bogdan Guskov was reassigned.

  7. 13 days ago

    [SPORTS] 7 sources
    Jan Blachowicz left without opponent after UFC reshuffles Belgrade card

    Jan Blachowicz’s UFC Belgrade bout was cancelled after Bogdan Guskov was moved to a main event in Abu Dhabi; Blachowicz awaits a new opponent.

  8. 13 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Magomed Ankalaev to Face Bogdan Guskov in UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event After Rountree Pullout

    UFC Abu Dhabi's July 25 main event shifts to Magomed Ankalaev vs. short‑notice replacement Bogdan Guskov after Rountree's injury; Ankalaev is heavy favorite.

Sources

agfight.com · al.com · bjpenn.com · blog.codere.com.co · blog.codere.pa · boxemag.com · boxingnews.com · ca.sports.yahoo.com · cagepotato.com · cagesidepress.com · casa-dolce.com · cashonyourmobile.net.au · combatpress.com · deadspin.com · diariodopara.com.br · dol.com.br · elitesportsny.com · esporte.ig.com.br · esportenewsmundo.com.br · essentiallysports.com · f4wonline.com · fightermag.se · fightful.com · frontkick.online · gardelegen.de · heavy.com · inthecage.pl · joshdoody.com · khelnow.com · kimura.se · lamarseille.fr · lawtrends.net · lazybudgetchef.com · lehighvalleylive.com · lowkickmma.com · lowking.pl · marca.es · masslive.com · mclimbing.com · memesita.com · metropoles.com · mid-east.info · middleeasy.com · mixedmartialarts.com · mma.pl · mma.tv · mmauk.net · mundodeportivo.com

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history