Magomed Ankalaev breaks Bogdan Guskov late, Magomed Ankalaev returned to the win column in emphatic fashion, stopping Bogdan Guskov via fifth-round technical knockout in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi proceeded with just 12 bouts after the scheduled middleweight contest between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was cancelled only hours before the event due to a Dulatov illness. Despite the late change, the card remained stacked with several exciting matchups, including the co-main event between Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov.
The UFC returned to the iconic Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, this Saturday, July 25, 2026, with an action-packed Fight Night card headlined by a light heavyweight clash between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and surging contender Bogdan Guskov.
Magomed Ankalaev entered the main event determined to erase the memories of his last outing. The former UFC light heavyweight champion suffered a shocking 80-second knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320, costing him the 205-pound title. Ankalaev later admitted it was the worst day of his life but insisted the setback has only made him hungrier to return to the top. Before that defeat, Ankalaev had established himself as one of the division’s most dominant fighters, using his elite striking, wrestling, and composure to consistently outclass top-ranked opponents.
Bogdan Guskov couldn’t have asked for a bigger opportunity. Originally scheduled to face Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade, Guskov accepted the call to replace the injured Khalil Rountree jr. in the Abu Dhabi main event on short notice. The Uzbek powerhouse entered the fight on a five-fight winning streak and has built a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers. Even more impressive, all of his UFC victories have come by stoppage, showcasing the explosive power that has made him one of the fastest-rising names at light heavyweight.
The opening round started as both fighters spent plenty of time feeling each other out. Ankalaev controlled the center of the Octagon, using leg kicks and straight punches to keep Guskov at range. Guskov looked for openings with his power shots but threw very little, allowing Ankalaev to edge the striking exchanges. Neither man took many risks, and the round ended with Ankalaev landing the cleaner shots.
The pace remained slow in the second round. Ankalaev continued to pressure Guskov, who spent much of the round circling on the outside and waiting for counter opportunities. Ankalaev mixed in kicks and straight left hands while staying defensively responsible. Guskov had a few moments of success but struggled to put combinations together as Ankalaev controlled the pace.
The third round followed a similar pattern. Ankalaev stayed patient, picking his shots and controlling the distance, while Guskov remained hesitant to engage. The crowd grew restless as both fighters traded single strikes instead of prolonged exchanges, but Ankalaev’s accuracy and cage control continued to separate him from his opponent.
Realising he needed to do more, Ankalaev changed his game plan. He began mixing in his wrestling, secured takedowns, and spent long periods controlling Guskov on the ground. Although Guskov defended well and avoided submissions, he struggled to escape Ankalaev’s top pressure as the former champion took firm control heading into the final round.
Ankalaev wasted no time returning to his wrestling, he secured another takedown and immediately went to work with heavy ground-and-pound. Guskov covered up as Ankalaev continued landing unanswered punches. Seeing that Guskov could no longer intelligently defend himself, the referee stepped in to stop the fight at 2:41 of the fifth round, giving Ankalaev a TKO victory.
This victory marked an important return for Ankalaev after losing the UFC light heavyweight title. By defeating Guskov, he reminded the division why he remains one of the best 205-pound fighters in the world and strengthened his case for another run at championship gold. For Guskov, the defeat snapped his winning streak, but the short-notice challenger showed toughness by lasting into the fifth round against one of the division’s elite.
