Magomed Ankalaev made his comeback on Saturday night at UFC Abu Dhabi, securing a fifth-round TKO over late replacement Bogdan Guskov in the main event at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. The former light heavyweight champion was originally slated to meet Khalil Rountree Jr., but an injury to Rountree led to Guskov stepping in on short notice. Ankalaev’s victory marked his first outing since surrendering his belt to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 last October.
How Magomed Ankalaev beat Bogdan Guskov
The opening minute saw both fighters probing with light strikes, but neither could land anything of significance. Fans voiced their frustration with boos as the round closed without notable action.
Round two followed a similar pattern, with Ankalaev and Guskov exchanging jabs and kicks but failing to establish control. The lack of engagement prompted more audible discontent from the crowd.
In the third, Ankalaev pressed forward, circling the cage in pursuit of a striking advantage, yet Guskov’s defensive movement kept him at bay. The round ended with no clear momentum shift.
At the start of round four, Ankalaev altered his approach by shooting for a takedown. Once the fight hit the mat, he capitalised on his wrestling background, securing Guskov’s back and threatening a rear-naked choke. He closed the round from mount, landing heavy ground strikes that left Guskov scrambling.
Guskov attempted a choke in the opening seconds of the fifth, but Ankalaev quickly reversed the position. From top control, he unleashed sustained ground and pound until referee Marc Goddard intervened, halting the contest and awarding Ankalaev the TKO victory.
Full UFC Abu Dhabi results
Magomed Ankalaev def. Bogdan Guskov via TKO in round 5
Ramazan Temirov def. Steve Erceg via TKO in round 1
Magomed Zaynukov def. Damian Rzepecki via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Rizvan Kuniev def. Tyrell Fortune via TKO in round 3
Abubakar Vagaev def. Saygid Izagakhmaev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Valter Walker def. Thomas Petersen via submission in round 1
Muhammad Saidov def. Dustin Jacoby via TKO in round 2
Sam Patterson def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO in round 2
Axel Sola def. Ismael Bonfim via submission in round 1
Magomed Tuchalov def. Brendson Ribeiro via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Nurullo Aliev def. Mike Davis via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Abdul Hussein def. Cody Gibson via submission in round 3
Ankalaev’s fifth-round finish at UFC Abu Dhabi stands as a significant step in his bid to reclaim light heavyweight gold, demonstrating his ability to adjust mid-fight and seize control. With the boos transformed into applause at the final stoppage, the ex-champion will leave Etihad Arena buoyed by a decisive return to form.
FAQ
What was the result of Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov?
Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov via TKO in the fifth round of the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.
When did Ankalaev last fight before UFC Abu Dhabi?
His previous bout was at UFC 320 in October, where he lost the light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira.
Who stepped in for Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Abu Dhabi?
Bogdan Guskov replaced Khalil Rountree Jr. on late notice after Rountree pulled out due to injury.
Which fighters won by submission on the UFC Abu Dhabi card?
Axel Sola submitted Ismael Bonfim in round one, Valter Walker submitted Thomas Petersen in round one, and Abdul Hussein secured a submission in round three.
