Sports

UFC Abu Dhabi preview and predictions: Can Bogdan Guskov actually upset Magomed Ankalaev?

Nairavoice · Jul 24, 2026 · 7 min read

UFC Abu Dhabi is all about the light heavyweight division. In the main event, former champion Magomed Ankalaev competes for the first time since his crushing title defeat to Alex Pereira last year.

Ankalaev had all the potential to maintain a lengthy, dominant run at the top of the 205-pound weight class. But now it’s back to basics, with “Big Ank” facing a much-needed rebound matchup. Instead of taking on his original opponent, Khalil Rountree Jr., Ankalaev is set to face dangerous replacement contender Bogdan Guskov. After Guskov got his first taste of championship competition in his last bout, the Uzbek could position himself firmly as a new face in the light heavyweight title mix with an the upset.

Compared to previous UFC Abu Dhabi events, this weekend’s trip leaves plenty to be desired. Obviously notable names appear here and there as we go down the card, but nothing really grabs your attention as “must-see.”

👑 UFC Abu Dhabi’s lineup Crown grade: D+. 👑

Magomed Ankalaev is back for the first time since losing the light heavyweight title.

I’ve enjoyed Guskov’s rise, but this is Ankalaev’s fight to lose and there’s no way around it.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Ankalaev is the one who prepared and trained for a five-round main event, while Guskov enters on short notice after Rountree’s withdrawal only one week ago.

Ankalaev has been through the fire as a proven, consistent, elite light heavyweight. The former champion is often misconstrued to be a grappler first; really, he’s one of the most technical and sharpest strikers in the division. He’s patient and possesses knockout power that relies heavily on his accuracy. There’s no going out on his shield for “Big Ank.” And if things don’t happen to be working on the feet to the best of their ability, he switches things up and goes to the wrestling well that he does possess.

The Pereira loss may have made people forget that Ankalaev really is one of the best fighters on Earth, but make no mistake, he’ll show it again on Saturday.

Despite that, Guskov has a chance here. He’s been a consistent finisher, both with knockouts and submissions. If you invite a brawl, he’ll oblige and likely take over. However, his draw with Jan Blachowicz in his last fight still leaves a bad taste in the mouth. The 43-year-old former champion shouldn’t have been nearly as competitive with Guskov as he was, and he fought with a game plan that Ankalaev can easily exploit.

Guskov could be the future, but this matchup has all the makings of a crucial learning experience. “Big Ank” is back, folks.

The flyweight division can do no wrong right now. UFC’s lightest crop of men’s talent may very well be the promotion’s hottest and best weight class in 2026.

Ramazan Temirov is the human equivalent of a loaded spring. The guy is consistently coiled, jam-packed, ready to unleash every ounce of power in his body. In this position, he has a major opportunity to catapult himself into the upper echelon of the division by catapulting his fists through Steve Erceg’s face.

“Astro Boy” has been one of the cleanest boxers 125 pounds has to offer. Though his trajectory seemed to fall off a cliff following his title fight loss in May 2024, Erceg finally climbed back into the win column last year. He now rides a two-fight win streak into this matchup and has his work cut out for him, playing the role of the technical veteran.

There realistically shouldn’t be much grappling in this fight. Temirov brings the power and aggression that can play into his demise against someone like Erceg. He’s been dropped in his career before, after all. But explosivity like Temirov’s is just one hell of a trait to possess in this division, and if it does hit the mat, Temirov is explosive there too.

Somebody has to get fed to the wolves at every UFC Fight Night, right?

This weekend, it’s Brazil’s Wellington Turman. The former middleweight hasn’t found success in the 170-pound ranks, riding a three-fight losing skid into a horrific matchup with Germany’s Islam Dulatov.

Dulatov, 27, looks every bit like a future welterweight contender. The lengthy striker has put on clinics in practically every fight since his debut loss — the only of his career. Precise and lethal anywhere the fight goes with a range of weapons, this one is Dulatov’s to lose.

Magomed Zaynukov is ready to make waves at lightweight.

No, no, it’s not. It’s “Chanko,” and Magomed Zaynukov will clarify that at every given chance. Anyway, stat-for-stat, this could be the best matchup of UFC Abu Dhabi. Somebody’s 0 has got to go.

Let’s start with “Chanko.” The big, bruising lightweight prospect became an internet darling at the expense of his non-nickname after being highlighted as a key training partner of Islam Makhachev’s. While they have similar styles in all respects, Zaynukov’s Muay Thai background adds a unique element to the overall Dagestani wrestling skill set. He fights comfortably on the feet, using push kicks to the body as good distance gauges, and uncorks tight, impactful punches when his target is attainable.

Unlike Makhachev, “Chanko” is much more open to brawls and slinging leather with lethal intent. His last three opponents have all endured the damage he’s dealt, but don’t get it twisted — Zaynukov goes for the kill.

Rzepecki, on the other hand, is an opportunistic finisher who gains momentum beyond the first round. He blends high-level submission grappling with diverse knockout power. A threat in all phases, the undefeated Polish lightweight excels at seizing necks in front-headlock scrambles and locking up rear-naked chokes, while using his length on the feet to deliver heavy body shots and knees up the middle. They’re concerning elements for an opponent as occasionally aggressive as “Chanko.”

Rather than burning out early, Rzepecki’s pace escalates to wear opponents down. Zaynukov’s biggest question mark thus far could be his gas tank, which makes this a tall order.

It boggles the mind why the UFC put this fight on the main card. Heavyweights always find a way, I suppose.

Expect a grueling three-round wrestling match between Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune. Both of their recent performances have come at the expense of the viewers. In Kuniev’s case, the UFC was so bored, they cut his last opponent, Jailton Almeida — a top-ranked contender.

Fortune is sneakily athletic for a big man and has finishing ability. He’ll just need more space to breathe to land on exits, which won’t come easily against Kuniev, who has performed more consistently in his recent fights.

For anyone who pays attention to the European or Asian MMA scenes, the UFC Abu Dhabi main card opener serves as a pretty intriguing clash.

Abubakar Vagaev relies on his grinding, in-your-face wrestling game, dominating through persistent cage control. His top pressure is heavy, and builds on chain takedowns, thanks to his unwavering cardio. Vagaev goes for position above all else, but once he finds it, he’ll seek the ground-and-pound in bunches. Honestly, he’s a fighter who embodies everything the UFC’s matchmakers currently despise. In a strange way, that makes him a compelling signing in his own right, despite his blatant talent.

With Saygid Izagakhmaev, we get an equally talented grappler who controls fights with his strong sambo base. While he hasn’t been the greatest submission artist in recent years, he has the ability when presented with an opening. Body lock and single-leg takedowns are techniques he finds more often than not. It’s not a mirror matchup, but one that comes down to who can control who more effectively.

Essentially, flip a coin in this one.

Valter Walker is looking to keep his momentum alive.

Valter Walker can’t possibly do it again, right? With four straight heel hooks making up his current win streak, the surging brother of Johnny Walker will seek another leg against Thomas Petersen. Funnily enough, it’s totally possible that he could get it. This fight almost feels like it was set up for him to keep snatching legs, because he should’ve already gotten a step-up in competition by now. (If such a thing exists at heavyweight.)

Also, Santiago Ponzibbio is still fighting. I mean, that’s crazy. And what do you know? The 39-year-old “Argentine Dagger” has a hungry, rebound-seeking Sam Patterson to deal with. Brutal stuff, man.