Ankalaev, Guskov Hit 205.5 Pounds for UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event

Q: Can the first Uzbek UFC headliner maintain his flawless finish rate and steal a title shot in Abu Dhabi?

Yes—but only if Bogdan Guskov does what he has always done: finish fast against a far more proven opponent. The Uzbek contender arrives in Abu Dhabi with an 18-3-1 record and 18 stoppage wins, making his finish rate perfect. He also enters on a strong run in the UFC, with all four of his octagon victories ending inside the distance. That power, plus the symbolism of becoming the first Uzbek fighter to headline a UFC event, gives him a real chance to create a breakthrough moment. The problem is the matchup. Magomed Ankalaev is not just another ranked opponent; he is a former light heavyweight champion, the division’s No. 2 contender, and a fighter with deep five-round experience. He is also a sizable betting favorite, reflecting both his technical edge and his consistency. Guskov accepted this fight on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew, which adds another layer of difficulty against a composed, elite-level counterstriker. If Guskov wins emphatically, especially by knockout or submission, he could absolutely force himself into the title conversation. The timing helps him: he is replacing into a headliner in Abu Dhabi, a major international showcase, and he has openly framed the fight as life-changing. A stoppage over Ankalaev would be the biggest result of his career and likely outweigh his lower ranking. Still, the path is narrow. To steal a title shot, Guskov probably needs more than a decision—he needs the kind of dramatic finish that has defined his career.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 24

Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov both weighed 205.5 pounds, clearing the light heavyweight limit for Saturday's UFC Fight Night headliner in Abu Dhabi.
Guskov entered the main event on short notice after former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew injured two weeks before fight night; he had been booked for UFC Fight Night 283 in Serbia.
The official weigh-ins also cleared the rest of the card, including Steve Erceg and Ramazonbek Temirov at 126 pounds and Dustin Jacoby at 205 against Muhammad Saidov at 206.
Etihad Arena hosts the promotion's 23rd visit to Abu Dhabi, with ceremonial weigh-ins later completing the final pre-fight step for all 26 fighters.