Magomed Ankalaev Dominates Bogdan Guskov at UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi

On July 24, 2026, the main event of UFC Fight Night at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, saw Russia’s Magomed Ankalaev defeat Uzbekistan’s Bogdan Guskov by stoppage at 2:41 of the fifth round. The bout, a light-heavyweight contest (205 lb), ended when Guskov covered up on the ground and the referee halted the fight.

ESPN

Ankalaev entered the fight after a knockout loss to former champion Alex Pereira in October 2025, his first defeat since 2018. Seeking a path back to the title, he accepted the short-notice matchup after original opponent Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew with injury. Guskov, who had stepped in on short notice, was coming off an unbeaten five-fight streak. At the time of the event, ESPN listed Ankalaev as the UFC’s No. 1-ranked light-heavyweight contender, while MMA Fighting ranked him No. 3 in its global light-heavyweight list and No. 17 pound-for-pound. Current champion Carlos Ulberg was sidelined with a knee injury, leaving the division’s top spot open.

ESPN

• Striking: UFC Research recorded 122 strikes landed by Ankalaev versus 42 by Guskov.

ESPN

• Rounds: The fight lasted the full five rounds, ending in the final round’s stoppage.

ESPN

• Rankings: Discrepancy exists between outlets—ESPN’s No. 1 contender ranking versus MMA Fighting’s No. 3 placement—highlighting differing evaluation criteria.

UFC Abu Dhabi results: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Ankalaev told reporters, through an interpreter, that he would adopt an “angry” approach after nine months of reflecting on his loss to Pereira. He also noted the difficulty of engaging Guskov, who “kept getting away” and forced Ankalaev to hunt for striking exchanges.

ESPN

• “I was out for a long time, [but] now I'm back and I'm going to start my hunt for the thing I lost,” — Magomed Ankalaev — Magomed Ankalaev “I was out for a long time, [but] now I'm back and I'm going to start my hunt for the thing I lost..”

ESPN