
Bogdan
Guskov considers Magomed
Ankalaev the best light heavyweight in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Guskov (18-3) is scheduled to fight Ankalaev (20-2) in the main
event of
UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Guskov
stepped up to accept the fight on 14 days’ notice after Ankalaev’s
original opponent, Khalil
Rountree, pulled out due to an injury.
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If he comes out on top, Guskov is eyeing championship gold.
Guskov breaks down Ankalaev’s standing after Alex Pereira
rematch loss
Despite Ankalaev not being the current champion, Guskov still
considers the Russian the best 205-pounder. The surging Uzbek
contender believes Ankalaev just had a “bad night at the office” in
his rematch against Alex
Pereira, in which he lost the title. As such, a win over the
former champion warrants a title shot, according to the
33-year-old. “For me, Magomed is the strongest guy in our division,” Guskov told
MMA Junkie. “Second fight with Pereira is just one fight, bad day
in the office. And Magomed is still a dangerous and stronger guy in
our division… For me, the next fight is a title shot. We try to
take gold in the UFC.”
Ankalaev was undefeated in 14 straight outings since 2018 before
his loss to Pereira. Meanwhile, Guskov was on a four-fight
finishing streak before fighting former champ Jan
Blachowicz to a draw in his last outing. He has finished all 18
of his career wins so far.
The belt is currently held by Carlos
Ulberg, who suffered an injury in his title-winning effort
earlier this year. UFC CEO Dana
White has since revealed that an interim title bout is likely
next in the light heavyweight division as Ulberg recovers.
Bogdan
Guskov thinks beating Magomed
Ankalaev at
#UFCAbuDhabi should get him a title shot.„Magomed is strongest guy in our division. Second fight with
Pereira is bad day in the office.“(via @MikeBohn)
pic.twitter.com/IiHagRBrEl— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie)
July 22, 2026