TLDR
- Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov via fifth-round TKO in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event
- The win was Ankalaev’s first since losing the UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira
- Ramazan Temirov scored a first-round knockout over Steve Erceg in the co-main event
- Magomed Zaynukov won his UFC debut with a unanimous decision over Damian Rzepecki
- Abdul Hussein submitted Cody Gibson in his UFC debut, extending his finish streak to nine fights
Sources: sherdog.com | mmafighting.com | mmafighting.com
Magomed Ankalaev returned to the win column Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi, stopping Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round of the main event. The finish came at 2:41 of the final round at Etihad Arena.
Ankalaev was fighting for the first time since losing the UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira. The loss ended a long winning streak dating back to 2018.
Guskov stepped in on short notice to replace Khalil Rountree Jr. He entered the fight undefeated in his last five bouts.
Lackluster Performance Raises Questions
Despite getting the stoppage win, Ankalaev’s performance drew criticism for being unmemorable. The fight failed to deliver excitement for most of its duration before the late finish.
Ankalaev is currently ranked No. 3 in the light heavyweight division and No. 17 pound-for-pound. Questions remain about whether he has done enough to earn another title shot when champion Carlos Ulberg returns.
The light heavyweight division is currently in an unusual state with no clear top contender. Ankalaev’s victory over a replacement opponent may not be enough to secure an immediate rematch.
He wants the belt back 🏆
@AnkalaevM has only one thing on his mind after his TKO victory at #UFCAbuDhabi![ @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/tXrtgJMKp8
— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2026
Temirov Delivers Explosive Knockout
In the co-main event, Ramazan Temirov scored a brutal knockout victory over Steve Erceg. The flyweight bout ended at 4:21 of the first round.
Temirov’s finish was described as explosive and provided one of the card’s most exciting moments. The win establishes him as a fighter to watch in the 125-pound division.
Magomed Zaynukov made a successful UFC debut with a unanimous decision victory over Damian Rzepecki. All three judges scored the lightweight bout 30-27.
Rizvan Kuniev stopped Tyrell Fortune via TKO at 1:12 of the third round in their heavyweight matchup. Abubakar Vagaev earned a close unanimous decision over Saygid Izagakhmaev with all three judges scoring it 29-28.
The preliminary card featured several highlight-reel finishes. Valter Walker submitted Thomas Petersen with a calf slicer just 1:32 into their fight.
Muhammad Saidov knocked out Dustin Jacoby with a spectacular combination at 4:49 of the second round. Sam Patterson finished Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO at 3:06 of round two.
Axel Sola submitted Ismael Bonfim with a D’Arce choke late in the first round at 4:44. Magomed Tuchalov won a decision over Brendson Ribeiro with all judges scoring it 29-28.
Nurullo Aliev improved his undefeated record to 12-0 with a unanimous decision over Mike Davis. All three judges scored the lightweight bout 30-27.
Abdul Hussein made a strong UFC debut by submitting Cody Gibson with a head-and-arm choke at 3:07 of the third round. The finish extended Hussein’s streak to nine consecutive victories by stoppage.
The scheduled bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was cancelled due to Dulatov falling ill before the event.
