Ankalaev eyes statement win vs Guskov as stage set for UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi

UFC, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), returns to the UAE capital with a blockbuster light heavyweight main event as former champion Magomed Ankalaev faces rising contender Bogdan Guskov at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday.

The highly anticipated showdown headlines another major UFC event in Abu Dhabi, continuing the emirate’s successful partnership with the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion.

Excitement continued to build ahead of UFC Fight Night as fans packed Yas Mall for the open workouts, catching a first glimpse of some of the event’s biggest stars before they step into the Octagon at Etihad Arena.

Scheduled for five rounds, the headline bout pits two fighters with plenty at stake in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Ankalaev returns to Abu Dhabi looking to reinforce his status among the elite contenders at light heavyweight, while Guskov faces the biggest test of his UFC career as he attempts to secure a career-defining victory over one of the division’s leading names.

Ankalaev returns to the Octagon for the first time since surrendering his light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 last October.

Ankalaev and Guskov took part in the workouts, alongside undefeated lightweight prospect Magomed “Chanko” Zaynukov and rising welterweight star Islam Dulatov, with all four showcasing their skills in front of passionate mixed martial arts (MMA) fans.

“It’s going to be a very interesting fight, and I expect domination on my side. You can really feel the support here in Abu Dhabi. So many people have travelled from my hometown to be here, and every time I fight here it feels like a home arena,” Ankalaev said.

Guskov steps into the main event as a replacement for Khalil Rountree Jr, who had originally been scheduled to face Ankalaev before withdrawing from the event through injury.

Guskov, who accepted the fight on short notice, described the main event opportunity as the biggest moment of his career and said he is excited to headline in the UAE capital.

“This is the biggest chance in my life. One fight can change my life. There was no need to think about it. Abu Dhabi always has a great atmosphere. I love fighting here, and being in the main event makes this moment even more special,” Guskov said.

The co-featured contests include an intriguing flyweight matchup between Australia’s Steve Erceg and Uzbekistan’s Ramazan Temirov, with Erceg aiming to use his experience and technical ability against Temirov’s aggressive style in a bout that could prove significant for both fighters’ futures in the division.

The confirmed main card also features a welterweight contest between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman, an unbeaten lightweight meeting between Magomed Zaynukov and Damian Piebitski, and a heavyweight clash between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune.

“I was here when Islam fought Volkanovski, and I remember the energy from the fans. I wanted to run out and fight myself. Now I can’t wait to experience that feeling. It’s incredible,” Zaynukov said.

Elsewhere on the card, Brazil’s Valter Walker takes on American Thomas Petersen at heavyweight, Dustin Jacoby meets Uran Satybaldiev at light heavyweight, Sam Patterson faces Santiago Ponzinibbio at welterweight, while Ismael Bonfim squares off against Axel Sola in the lightweight division.

The latest UFC event further underlines Abu Dhabi’s standing as one of the world’s premier destinations for combat sports and major international sporting events.

Over recent years, the UAE capital has hosted some of the organisation’s biggest events, welcoming elite athletes and fans from around the world while strengthening its reputation for staging world-class competitions. Etihad Arena and Yas Island once again provide the backdrop for another showcase of elite mixed martial arts, bringing together established stars, rising prospects and the unique atmosphere that has become synonymous with UFC events in Abu Dhabi.

Fans across the Middle East and North Africa will be able to watch UFC Fight Night live and exclusively on the Starzplay app, the exclusive home of UFC in the region.