UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi Features Ankalaev vs Guskov

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 25, 2026, for a Fight Night event headlined by a pivotal light heavyweight clash between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and surging contender Bogdan Guskov. The card takes place at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, with preliminary bouts beginning at 9 a.m. ET and the main card following at 12 p.m. ET, broadcast on Paramount in the United States.

Ankalaev, the division's top-ranked contender, is fighting for the first time since losing the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship to Alex Pereira in October 2025. That defeat ended a 14-fight unbeaten streak for the Dagestani fighter. He was originally scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr., but an injury to Rountree led to a short-notice replacement. Guskov, stepping in after the bout was announced on July 13, enters on a five-fight unbeaten streak and becomes the first fighter from Uzbekistan to headline a UFC event. Both fighters successfully made weight on Friday, each hitting the 205.5-pound limit.

The co-main event features another significant matchup with Uzbekistani fighter Ramazan Temirov taking on former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg. Temirov has won 11 consecutive...