The UFC returns to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, July 25, 2026, although the promotion has not brought its usual Middle Eastern blockbuster. The lineup comfortably clears the standard set by an average Apex card, but genuine depth is limited, with only a select few ranked fighters and noteworthy prospects carrying the intrigue ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi 2026.
- Ankalaev vs. Guskov Best Bet 1: Ankalaev Wins by KO/TKO or Submission at 1.44 at ibet.
- Ankalaev vs. Guskov Best Bet 2: Over 1.5 Rounds at 1.55 at ibet.
- Find the best UFC odds at ibet sportsbook!
UFC Abu Dhabi 2026
Fortunately, the main event isn’t lacking, as the former 205lb champion, Magomed Ankalaev, returns to the octagon in hopes of proving himself worthy of another title opportunity. His opponent, Bogdan Guskov, comes in on short notice, but that doesn’t remove the fierce knockout capabilities he’s displayed in the UFC thus far.
And on that note, I’m back with my UFC Fight Night main event analysis. So, let’s dive right into my breakdown and predictions for UFC Abu Dhabi 2026.
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Ankalaev vs. Guskov: Tale of The Tape
| Magomed Ankalaev | Bogdan Guskov | |
| Country | Russia | Uzbekistan |
| Age | 34 | 33 |
| Pro Record (Win/Loss) | 21-2-1 | 18-3-1 |
| KO/Submission | 11 KOs, 0 Submissions | 9 KOs, 7 Submissions |
| Height | 6’3” | 5’10” |
| Reach | 75” | 73.5” |
| Win/Loss (Last 5) | L/W/W/W/NC | D/W/W/W/W |
| Moneyline Price | 1.14 [-714] | 4.90 [+390] |
Inside the Octagon: Ankalaev vs. Guskov Prediction & Analysis
A Proven Winner and Champion
I understand the concerns around Magomed Ankalaev’s seemingly lack of charisma and in-octagon flair, but ultimately, he’s a fighter you can rely on more often than not.
The former light heavyweight champ schooled Alex Pereira only to lose the rematch via first-round knockout. However, that isn’t a sign to question his durability or ability to win MMA fights… It’s ‘Poatan’ we’re talking about, after all.
Outside of the Pereira feud, “Big Ank” has been almost flawless. For the last five or so years, he’s fought nothing but top-ranked opponents, and although decision victories have been his primary path, outside of a draw (which he should have won, by the way) to Jan Blachowicz, the Russian kickboxer with wrestling in his back pocket has won every round!
A New Challenger Has Arrived
With the collapse of Ankalaev vs Khalil Rountree, rising light heavyweight contender Bogdan Guskov jumped at the opportunity to take this main event position just 10 days ago from the time I’m writing this.
Going from the likes of Billy Elekana and Nikita Krylov to the former champion is quite a jump, but if there’s one advantage the Uzbekistan native will have in this bout, it’ll be power!
A kill-or-be-killed mentality has served Guskov well throughout his career. An 18-3-1 record is backed up with 15 knockout victories, and a 100% finish rate behind his 4-1 UFC record isn’t too shabby either.
Here’s the problem: He’s untested versus the elite; we don’t know much about his five-round ability, and a short-notice camp isn’t likely enough to solve the game of a well-proven Ankalaev.
Ankalaev vs. Guskov Betting Picks
Ankalaev Wins by KO/TKO or Submission at 1.44 [-227]
We’ll put some respect on Guskov’s inside striking. He drew Krylov into the pocket behind some great movement and timing before knocking him out, and that same power has been a huge threat for all of his opponents.
However, Ankalaev is a different level. The Russian technician rarely makes mistakes, and let’s not forget how he handled the kickboxing of Pereira in that first fight. Not to mention, although he’s shy with it, the man has wrestling chops far greater than his opponent this weekend.
When you consider that every takedown attempt on Guskov, bar one, has been finished during his time in the UFC, the fact that Ankalaev’s distance striking and kicking game will also hold an IQ edge, it might be a good time for the former champ to remind us of his finishing capabilities.
I cannot imagine a world where Guskov draws this fight out over five rounds. His mentality doesn’t really allow for long-winded bouts, but at the same time, his skillset puts him on the wrong side of a stoppage result this time.
I believe we’ll see the over 1.5, perhaps the 2.5 too. However, before the final round, Ankalaev will show his experience through cardio and skill to snatch a knockout or submission win.
Over 1.5 Rounds at 1.55 [-182]
To piggyback from our aforementioned analysis, a stoppage win for Ankalaev isn’t likely to arrive early. Guskov will know his path to victory, and that’s an early knockout. Therefore, expect a cool, calm and collected Ankalaev in the early goings, with a first-round task that involves taming the beast.
I’m confident that over 1.5 rounds will hit. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ankalaev hasn’t already mixed in his takedowns to drain the inexperienced underdog of his cardio before finding a finish in the late rounds (3,4, or 5).
UFC Abu Dhabi 2026 Event Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 – 15:00 CET
- Location: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
- How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass & Paramount+
- Main Event Bout: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov
- Co-Main Event Bout: Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov
