Magomed Ankalaev is expected to spend this week preparing for the explosive striking of Khalil Rountree Jr. Instead, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion must now solve a very different problem in Abu Dhabi.
Rountree withdrew from the scheduled main event because of an undisclosed injury. The UFC moved quickly and handed the opportunity to Bogdan Guskov, who steps in to face Ankalaev at Etihad Arena on Saturday, 25 July.
Guskov had been preparing to meet Jan Błachowicz in Belgrade one week later. He now receives the biggest fight of his career against the leading contender in one of the UFC’s most unpredictable divisions. The promotion confirmed the change through its official main-event announcement.
The late switch changes the style of the contest, but not the stakes. Ankalaev needs a convincing response after losing his championship to Alex Pereira. Guskov, meanwhile, can transform the light-heavyweight title picture with one well-timed punch.
When is UFC Abu Dhabi?
UFC Abu Dhabi takes place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Saturday, 25 July 2026.
The preliminary card is scheduled to begin at 2pm BST, with the main card following at 5pm. Ankalaev and Guskov should enter the Octagon at approximately 8pm, although the exact time will depend on the length of the earlier contests.
UK and Irish viewers can follow the action through TNT Sports and HBO Max. Paramount+ will show the event in the United States.
The latest running order remains available on the official UFC Abu Dhabi event page.
Readers unfamiliar with how bouts are divided between the prelims and main card can also read the World in Sport guide to how UFC fight cards and start times work.
Updated UFC Abu Dhabi fight card
The UFC can still make late changes following the official weigh-in, but the advertised card currently features the following contests.
The bout order remains subject to change. However, the card offers a useful mixture of experienced contenders, local favourites and prospects attempting to make an immediate impression.
Ankalaev faces a dangerous short-notice opponent
Ankalaev enters the contest with a professional record of 21 wins, two defeats, one draw and one no contest. Guskov stands at 18 wins, three defeats and one draw.
The most striking part of Guskov’s record is not the number of victories. It is the way he has secured them. All 18 have come inside the distance, including 15 knockouts and three submissions.
That finishing record makes him dangerous for every second the fight remains standing. Guskov throws with conviction, commits to his combinations and needs very little space to punish a defensive mistake.
Ankalaev offers a far more controlled challenge. He can strike patiently from range, counter with his left hand and mix in wrestling when an opponent begins to settle. His 87 per cent takedown defence also makes it difficult for rivals to change the direction of a contest when his striking starts to take over.
Guskov lands more significant strikes per minute, but he also absorbs considerably more. That approach has produced spectacular finishes, although it creates openings against accurate counter-strikers.
Ankalaev will want to draw those attacks, make Guskov fall short and punish him on the exit. He can also use clinch pressure and occasional takedowns to make the replacement fighter carry his weight.
For more background on judging and the importance of effective striking and grappling, see the World in Sport guide to UFC rules and scoring.
Main-event prediction
A short-notice replacement with Guskov’s power cannot be dismissed. Ankalaev cannot afford a slow start or assume his superior experience will protect him from a clean right hand.
However, the former champion is the more complete fighter. He has competed across five rounds, faced elite opposition and shown that he can win without chasing reckless exchanges.
Guskov’s best route involves applying immediate pressure and forcing Ankalaev into an untidy firefight. If the contest becomes measured, Ankalaev should control the distance, interrupt Guskov’s rhythm and gradually build a lead.
Prediction: Magomed Ankalaev by unanimous decision.
Erceg and Temirov meet in the co-main event
Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov provide an intriguing flyweight contest beneath the headliner.
Erceg has already experienced the demands of competing against leading names. He works effectively behind straight punches, reads opponents well and remains composed during technical exchanges.
Temirov brings greater urgency and explosive power. His aggressive entries could trouble Erceg early, particularly if the Australian allows himself to become trapped near the fence.
Erceg’s movement and ability to make adjustments should become more influential as the fight progresses. Temirov can win the opening exchanges, but he may struggle to maintain the same pace throughout three rounds.
Prediction: Steve Erceg by decision.
British interest rests with Sam Patterson
Sam Patterson returns against Santiago Ponzinibbio in one of the most recognisable contests on the preliminary card.
Patterson suffered a frustrating defeat against Michael Page in his previous appearance. Before that setback, the English welterweight had recorded four consecutive stoppage victories.
Ponzinibbio remains an experienced and dangerous striker, but the 39-year-old has won only three of his past eight contests. Patterson owns advantages in youth, height and finishing threat, although he must avoid standing directly in front of the Argentine veteran.
The Briton should use his reach, force Ponzinibbio backwards and increase the pressure once the veteran begins to slow.
Prediction: Sam Patterson by second-round stoppage.
Other fights to watch
Rizvan Kuniev faces Tyrell Fortune in a heavyweight contest that could have an immediate effect on the rankings. Kuniev is likely to press forward, work from the clinch and try to limit Fortune’s opportunities to operate at range.
Prediction: Rizvan Kuniev by decision.
Valter Walker enters his fight with Thomas Petersen after recording four consecutive first-round heel-hook submissions. Petersen must remain disciplined whenever the action reaches the canvas, but Walker’s confidence and specialist submission threat make him difficult to oppose.
Prediction: Valter Walker by first-round submission.
Magomed Zaynukov and Damian Rzepecki also meet in a battle between unbeaten lightweights. Zaynukov has an 8-0 record, while former FEN champion Rzepecki arrives at 10-0.
Both men are making their UFC debuts, meaning composure could matter as much as technical ability. Zaynukov’s Muay Thai background and measured approach may allow him to control the cleaner exchanges.
Prediction: Magomed Zaynukov by decision.
Islam Dulatov is another prospect carrying considerable expectation. His power and confidence should create problems for Wellington Turman, particularly during the opening exchanges.
Prediction: Islam Dulatov by first-round knockout.
What victory would mean for Ankalaev?
Ankalaev cannot win a championship in Abu Dhabi, but he can place himself firmly back in the title conversation.
His victory over Pereira at UFC 313 made him champion. Pereira then stopped him in the opening round of their rematch at UFC 320, ending Ankalaev’s reign before he could establish any momentum.
World in Sport covered that dramatic reversal when Pereira regained the light-heavyweight title.
The division has changed again since that night. Carlos Ulberg now holds the championship but is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, creating uncertainty around the next title fight. A convincing Ankalaev performance could place him at the front of any interim-title discussion.
Guskov has far more to gain. Beating a former champion on short notice would move him from dangerous contender to genuine title challenger in a single evening.
The World in Sport guide to the UFC ranking system explains why high-profile victories can sometimes carry more influence than a fighter’s existing position.
Final verdict
The replacement has removed some of the original promotion surrounding Ankalaev against Rountree, but it has not removed the danger.
Guskov arrives with little to lose, a complete finishing record and enough power to punish any lapse in concentration. He can make the main event uncomfortable if he establishes pressure early.
Ankalaev should still have too much experience, control and defensive awareness. Expect him to respect Guskov’s power, avoid extended exchanges and steadily take command across five rounds.
The wider card also offers important opportunities for Erceg, Patterson, Kuniev and several unbeaten newcomers.
Follow the latest previews, results and divisional developments through the World in Sport UFC news and guides section.
