UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev Favored Against Guskov as Marley Backs Underdog Davis
Magomed Ankalaev enters as a heavy favourite against Bogdan Guskov, while SportsLine’s Kyle Marley identifies value in the preliminary lightweight bout between Mike Davis and Nurullo Aliev.
Magomed Ankalaev, ranked second in the light heavyweight division, is set to face Bogdan Guskov, ranked ninth, in the main event of UFC Fight Night. The contest takes place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates. The six-bout main card is scheduled to commence at approximately 12:00 ET and will be broadcast on Paramount+.
Ankalaev enters the bout as a significant favourite, listed at -535 by DraftKings Sportsbook, while Guskov is priced at +400. The over/under for total rounds in the main event is set at 2.5. Ankalaev is coming off a TKO loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320, whereas Guskov is returning from a draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323.
SportsLine expert Kyle Marley has released betting picks for the card, drawing on a track record that has returned over $21,000 on UFC selections since May 2018. Marley is backing Mike Davis at +185 to win via split decision against Nurullo Aliev, who is listed at -225 in a preliminary lightweight bout.
Marley’s reasoning for Davis centres on the contrast in styles. He notes that Aliev is the superior wrestler with a perfect 11-0 record and will benefit from home crowd support. Conversely, Davis is viewed as the better striker and overall athlete, with Marley suggesting the fight could go either way but favouring the underdog by split decision.
Ankalaev, 34, holds a 20-2 professional record with one draw and one no contest. He is a former UFC heavyweight champion and the first Russian to hold the light heavyweight title, boasting a 14-fight unbeaten streak in the division. Guskov, 33, has compiled an 18-3-1 record in 22 career matches, including 15 wins by knockout.
