Story perspectives

Guskov steps in, faces Ankalaev at Abu Dhabi.

7/25/2026

Summary

Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Magomed Ankalaev will fight Bogdan Guskov at Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026.
Guskov stepped in on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew and has a winning streak with TKO victories over Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov.
Ankalaev, who lost the light-heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October after an 80-second stoppage, said he ignored his team’s advice to withdraw because of injury and now regrets it.

Summary

Zaynukov Stays Humble

Zaynukov said the year-long delay before his UFC debut tested his mindset and warned that success can breed arrogance.
He said he follows the example of elders Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev to stay humble and dignified.
After his Contender Series win, coach Ibrahim Khedirov told him not to chase hype, insisting respect must be earned in the cage.

History

Historical Context

Khabib Nurmagomedov, a Dagestani wrestler with a 16-0 regional record who debuted in the UFC in January 2012, won the lightweight title at UFC 229 on 6 October 2018, submitting Conor McGregor. The fight generated 2.4 million PPV buys, triggered a brawl that led to a nine-month NSAC suspension, and cemented Khabib’s reign as the longest-reigning lightweight champion (April 2018-March 2021), encouraging promoters to tap Dagestan gyms for fighters like Islam Makhachev.

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Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Magomed Ankalaev will fight Bogdan Guskov at Fight Night in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026.
Guskov stepped in on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew and has a winning streak with TKO victories over Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov.
Ankalaev, who lost the light-heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October after an 80-second stoppage, said he ignored his team’s advice to withdraw because of injury and now regrets it.

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