Magomed Ankalaev Back in the Win Column With Lackluster TKO Victory Over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi

Former champion Magomed Ankalaev stops Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round after lackluster bout at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Magomed Ankalaev Back in the Win Column With Lackluster TKO Victory Over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi

Magomed Ankalaev defeats Bogdan Guskov (via X, MMA Mania)

Magomed Ankalaev reminded the light heavyweight division why he remains among its elite with a commanding performance at UFC Abu Dhabi. The Dagestani standout outclassed rising contender Bogdan Guskov in the main event, securing an impressive victory despite four underwhelming rounds. The result also marked Ankalaev’s first appearance since losing the UFC light heavyweight title.

Ankalaev controlled the opening round with patient pressure and clean striking, forcing Guskov backward throughout most exchanges. He mixed left hands and leg kicks while denying meaningful offense, comfortably taking the frame through superior positioning.

The second and third rounds unfolded similarly as the former champion dictated distance and neutralized Guskov’s power with disciplined defense. The Uzbek contender landed occasional shots, but Ankalaev’s measured approach steadily widened his advantage despite the slow-paced action.

Ankalaev turned to his wrestling in the fourth round, securing a takedown and controlling Guskov on the ground. He threatened several submission attempts, but Guskov defended each one to survive. ‘Big Ank’ finished strongly in the fifth, unleashing ground-and-pound until the referee stopped the fight at the 2:41 mark.

Interestingly, Guskov accepted the fight on short notice after Muay Thai specialist Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew just 12 days before the Abu Dhabi main event. Rountree was forced off the card because of an undisclosed injury, prompting the UFC to book ‘Hitman’ as his replacement.

The victory also marked Ankalaev’s first Octagon appearance since his devastating knockout loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320, where he surrendered the title. Ankalaev had previously captured the championship at UFC 313 with a unanimous decision over Pereira, handing the Brazilian star his first defeat at 205 pounds.

Ankalaev’s comeback followed a difficult recovery after suffering a broken rib before his UFC 320 rematch with Pereira. The injury disrupted his preparation and limited his training before the title fight. He returned with a dominant win over Guskov, reviving his light heavyweight title ambitions.

UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg also watched the main event from cageside at Etihad Arena. Magomed Ankalaev’s dominant rebound immediately boosted his title credentials, potentially setting up a championship showdown with Ulberg in his next Octagon appearance.

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Carlos Ulberg’s cryptic response to Magomed Ankalaev’s performance at UFC Abu Dhabi

Magomed Ankalaev steadily climbed the UFC light heavyweight rankings through his consistent performances against top contenders. The Dagestani native earned notable victories over Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Johnny Walker, Aleksandar Rakić, and Alex Pereira to establish himself among the division’s elite.

After dominating Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi, Ankalaev blamed his opponent for the lack of action during the largely uneventful contest. The former champion also made it clear that his focus remains on reclaiming what he lost, signaling his pursuit of another UFC light heavyweight title opportunity.

Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov
Magomed Ankalaev vs Bogdan Guskov (via Bloody Elbow)

Carlos Ulberg became the UFC light heavyweight champion at UFC 327 after defeating Jiri Procházka by first-round knockout. The New Zealand contender stopped the former champion with a left hook and punches at 3:45, capturing the vacant title in Miami despite facing a knee injury.

Ulberg has remained sidelined since capturing the light heavyweight title due to a torn ACL in his right knee that delayed his return. The champion attended UFC Abu Dhabi while recovering and sent a cryptic message after watching Ankalaev’s performance, hinting at a potential future title clash.

Congrats to Ankalaev. I saw what I needed to see and I’ll do everything that I need to do to make sure I get back in there. But the division is, there is just nothing as dominant at the moment. I just saw what I needed to see, I’ll leave it at that.

Carlos Ulberg via UFC on Paramount

Carlos Ulberg had targeted a title fight with Magomed Ankalaev since the Russian contender’s short reign as UFC light heavyweight champion. With both fighters seeking the division’s next major matchup, their potential clash could materialize once ‘Black Jag’ returns from injury.

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