UFC Abu Dhabi: Ankalaev and Guskov clear weight for headline bout
The full 26-fighter card for the Abu Dhabi event has been weighed in, with main event participants Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov meeting the 206-pound light heavyweight limit ahead of Saturday’s non-title contest.
The United States-based mixed martial arts organisation UFC confirmed that all 26 fighters scheduled for the Abu Dhabi event completed weigh-ins on Friday. The proceedings took place in Azerbaijan, ahead of the main card scheduled for Saturday, 25 July. The event will be broadcast on Paramount Plus, with preliminary bouts commencing at 9 a.m. ET and the main card starting at 12 p.m. ET.
In the headline non-title light heavyweight contest, Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov both registered at 205.5 pounds, remaining within the 206-pound division limit. Ankalaev, ranked No. 3 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings at light heavyweight and No. 17 in the pound-for-pound standings, is seeking to rebound from his first defeat since 2018, a loss to Alex Pereira in a title fight. Guskov enters the bout ranked No. 12 in the light heavyweight division.
The co-main event features a flyweight division clash between Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov. Both fighters weighed in at 126 pounds, adhering to the maximum weight limit for the division. Erceg, a former UFC title challenger, faces Temirov in what marks a significant step in the flyweight rankings.
Other notable matchups on the main card include Islam Dulatov (171 lbs) against Wellington Turman (170 lbs), Magomed Zaynukov (155.5 lbs) versus Damian Rzepecki (155.5 lbs), and Abubakar Vagaev (171 lbs) facing Saygid Izagakhmaev. The preliminary card features Valter Walker (248 lbs) against Thomas Petersen (245 lbs), Santiago Ponzinibbio (171 lbs) vs Sam Patterson (170.5 lbs), Ismael Bonfim (155.5 lbs) vs Axel Sola (155.5 lbs), and Magomed Tuchalov (205.5 lbs) against Brendson Ribeiro (206 lbs).
The successful completion of weigh-ins finalises the administrative requirements for the card, allowing the organisation to proceed with Saturday’s scheduled bouts. All fighters have met the contractual weight obligations for their respective divisions, ensuring the integrity of the competitive framework for the Abu Dhabi event.
