UFC returns to Abu Dhabi as Ankalaev faces short-notice replacement Guskov
Bogdan Guskov steps in for Khalil Rountree Jr., while the main card features Erceg, Walker, and Ponzinibbio in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena on Yas Island for a Fight Night event this Saturday, headlined by a light heavyweight contest between Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov. The bout marks Ankalaev’s return to competition following his title loss to Alex Pereira in October, while Guskov enters the Octagon on short notice after former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew from the card.
Ankalaev, ranked second in the division, seeks to rebuild momentum after losing the light heavyweight title to Pereira in just 80 seconds at UFC 320. The defeat snapped a 13-fight unbeaten streak for the former champion, who has stated he ignored his team’s advice to withdraw from the rematch due to injury. Guskov, ranked ninth, arrives with a four-fight winning streak that includes a TKO victory over Ryan Spann and a knockout of Nikita Krylov.
Guskov’s call-up comes just weeks after a scheduled rematch with Jan Blachowicz on 1 August was cancelled. That previous encounter at UFC 323 ended in a draw after Guskov nearly finished Blachowicz in the second round before the Polish veteran stormed back in the third. Guskov’s training camp timeline shifted by only a week to accommodate the sudden main event opportunity.
The main card features several notable matchups, including Steve Erceg facing Ramazan Temirov in a flyweight bout. Rising heavyweight contender Valter Walker is set to take on Thomas Peterson, while veteran welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio looks to counter the rise of Sam Patterson. The event is scheduled to commence at approximately 12:00 ET and will be broadcast on Paramount+.
CBS Sports experts have predicted a unanimous decision victory for Ankalaev, citing his experience and ability to capitalise on fading opponents. Despite Guskov’s recent success and the draw against Blachowicz, analysts suggest the Ukrainian fighter has not yet demonstrated the same level of consistency as the former champion. Ankalaev is expected to leverage his elite skills to control the pace of the fight.
