Full Breakdown
UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event Reshuffled After Injury to Khalil Rountree
7/17/2026, 9:33:24 PM
Event Overview
On July 25, UFC Fight Night 282 in Abu Dhabi will feature a new main-event pairing after Khalil Rountree withdrew because of an undisclosed injury. Bogdan Guskov, the Uzbek light-heavyweight ranked No. 10, will step in on short notice to face former champion Magomed Ankalaev. The bout replaces the originally scheduled Rountree-Ankalaev clash and gives Guskov his first headline opportunity since joining the promotion.
Replacement Search and Fighter Decisions
Following Rountree’s injury, the UFC contacted several top-ranked light-heavyweights. Paulo Costa, fresh off a dominant debut at 205 lb, declined the offer, citing insufficient preparation time, travel demands, and unchanged pay. Jan Blachowicz, who fought Ankalaev to a controversial draw at UFC 282, was also approached but ultimately could not confirm his ability to make weight in time. Both fighters’ refusals left the promotion to secure Guskov, who had been slated to rematch Blachowicz in Belgrade on August 1.
Official Statements & Fighter Responses
Costa explained on The Ariel Helwani Show that the proposal arrived with “less than 14 days to get a flight to Abu Dhabi” and required a five-round effort “for the same money and not for the interim belt,” which he felt “doesn’t make sense right now.” Blachowicz posted on X that the UFC “offered me to fight Ankalaev first,” but he was uncertain about making the light-heavyweight limit and ultimately confirmed his own upcoming bout in Serbia instead.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it's so short notice,” — Paulo Costa, Fighter
- “Like less than 14 days to get a flight to Abu Dhabi.” — Paulo Costa, Fighter
- “UFC offered me to fight Ankalaev first.” — Jan Blachowicz, Fighter
- “I wasn't sure if I'm gonna make the weight.” — Jan Blachowicz, Fighter
Impact on the Light-Heavyweight Landscape
Guskov’s elevation to the main event provides a rapid path toward title contention, while Ankalaev seeks to rebound from his October loss to Alex Pereira. The replacement saga underscores the challenges fighters face when short-notice opportunities arise, highlighting contractual and logistical considerations that can shape the division’s championship trajectory.
