MSB Fight Club Preview: Ankalaev Begins Road Back to Gold Against Dangerous Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi
UFC Fight Night 282: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Preliminary card: 9 a.m. ET | Main card: noon ET
Streaming: Paramount+
The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi on Saturday with a 13-fight card featuring former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev, several highly regarded international prospects and a collection of established veterans fighting to remain relevant in increasingly crowded divisions.
Ankalaev was originally scheduled to meet Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event. Rountree withdrew, however, opening the door for No. 12-ranked contender Bogdan Guskov to accept the biggest opportunity of his career. Guskov had been preparing for a rematch with Jan Blachowicz before receiving the call to replace Rountree.
The six-fight main card begins at noon Eastern following seven preliminary bouts. All 26 fighters made weight, including Ankalaev and Guskov at 205.5 pounds and co-main event flyweights Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov at 126 pounds.
Main Event: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov
Light heavyweight bout — five rounds
MSB prediction: Ankalaev by third-round TKO
This is more than a rebound fight for Ankalaev. It is an attempt to reestablish himself as one of the division’s unquestioned elite fighters following the sudden end of his championship reign.
Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira in March 2025 but lost the championship back to Pereira by first-round stoppage in their October rematch. Ankalaev and his team later said he entered that fight while dealing with broken ribs and an interrupted training camp. Whether that fully explains the performance or not, Saturday will provide the first real indication of how Ankalaev has responded mentally and physically.
At his best, Ankalaev is one of the most composed fighters in the light heavyweight division. He controls distance with a southpaw stance, rarely overextends and uses feints to draw reactions before attacking with straight punches and kicks. His wrestling does not always produce extended stretches of top control, but the threat of a takedown forces opponents to hesitate.
That hesitation is central to Ankalaev’s success. He does not need to wrestle constantly. Ankalaev needs opponents to believe he might change levels, clinch or drive them toward the fence. That uncertainty makes his striking significantly more effective.
Guskov presents a much different problem than the originally scheduled Rountree. Guskov is not as technically polished as Ankalaev, but he carries legitimate finishing power and fights with the confidence of someone who has little to lose.
Since losing his UFC debut to Volkan Oezdemir in 2023, Guskov has gone five consecutive fights without a defeat. His UFC victories have all come by stoppage, including finishes over Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov. Guskov also fought Blachowicz to a majority draw before accepting this short-notice main-event opportunity.
Guskov’s clearest path is to make this chaotic. He cannot allow Ankalaev to dictate a slow kickboxing match from long range. Guskov must pressure, throw combinations and force Ankalaev to retreat in straight lines. He also needs to attack early, before Ankalaev establishes his timing.
The danger for Guskov is that reckless pressure gives Ankalaev opportunities to counter. Ankalaev generally keeps his chin away from the center line and remains difficult to hit cleanly when he is healthy and focused. Guskov has power, but Ankalaev owns the deeper technical arsenal, stronger defensive habits and more reliable wrestling.
Expect Guskov to produce several threatening moments in the opening two rounds. Ankalaev should gradually establish his left hand, punish Guskov’s entries and mix in clinch work or takedowns whenever Guskov becomes too aggressive.
By the third round, Guskov’s attacks may become easier to read. Ankalaev should begin landing cleaner combinations and eventually force a stoppage along the fence.
MSB pick: Ankalaev defeats Guskov by TKO in the third round.
Co-Main Event: Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov
Flyweight bout
MSB prediction: Erceg by split decision
This could be the most evenly matched fight on the card.
Erceg nearly won the UFC flyweight championship against Alexandre Pantoja during his rapid rise through the division. His technical boxing, scrambling ability and counter-wrestling allowed him to compete with one of the best grapplers in the sport.
A three-fight losing streak followed that championship opportunity, but Erceg has since rebuilt some momentum with two consecutive victories. His most recent win came against veteran wrestler Tim Elliott.
Temirov brings athleticism, physical strength and constant offensive pressure. He has not lost since 2019 and enters this fight with a 2-0 UFC record. Temirov defeated Charles Johnson in his most significant UFC appearance, showing that his style consists of more than wild early-round attacks.
There is also an important inactivity question. Temirov is competing for the first time in more than 500 days following a one-year suspension connected to a failed drug test in 2025. Ring rust is difficult to measure, especially against a technical opponent who can force Temirov to make decisions in every phase.
Temirov should be faster and more explosive. Erceg should be more precise.
Erceg’s main weakness has appeared against opponents who can overwhelm him with sudden bursts of speed and power. Temirov has those tools. However, Temirov’s wrestling-heavy style may also play into Erceg’s strongest defensive abilities. Erceg excels at scrambling, reversing position and making opponents work harder than expected to maintain control.
The first round could determine the fight. Temirov needs to impose his pace immediately and bank damage before Erceg settles into his counterstriking rhythm. Erceg must avoid allowing Temirov to turn the contest into a series of explosive exchanges.
This should be extremely close. Temirov may land the more visually impressive shots, but Erceg’s cleaner combinations, defensive grappling and late-fight adjustments could secure two rounds.
MSB pick: Erceg defeats Temirov by split decision.
Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman
Welterweight bout
MSB prediction: Dulatov by first-round knockout
The UFC appears to have designed this as a showcase fight for Dulatov.
Dulatov is a 27-year-old welterweight prospect with a 12-1 professional record. He pushes forward behind powerful combinations and is capable of finishing opponents through striking or grappling. He has produced seven knockouts and five submissions, giving him a 100-percent finishing rate in his victories.
Turman is a capable grappler with legitimate submission skills, but his defensive striking and durability have been persistent concerns. He has lost three consecutive fights and has spent most of the last three years sidelined while dealing with shoulder problems and multiple surgeries.
Turman’s best chance is to survive the opening surge, force Dulatov into extended grappling exchanges and test whether the prospect can maintain his pace deep into the fight.
That is easier said than done. Dulatov starts quickly, throws with speed and power and should have the athletic advantage during early wrestling exchanges. Turman has been too hittable against lesser offensive fighters.
Expect Dulatov to pressure immediately, back Turman toward the fence and land a decisive combination before Turman can establish his grappling.
MSB pick: Dulatov defeats Turman by knockout in the first round.
Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki
Lightweight bout
MSB prediction: Zaynukov by unanimous decision
This is one of the card’s most interesting prospect fights.
Both lightweights enter undefeated and will make their official UFC debuts. Zaynukov earned his opportunity through Dana White’s Contender Series and has trained alongside Islam Makhachev. Rzepecki has developed as a training partner of Ilia Topuria and previously won and defended the Fight Exclusive Night lightweight championship.
Zaynukov has an extensive Muay Thai background and fights at a high pace. He closes distance with boxing combinations, attacks the body and uses kicks effectively after conditioning opponents to expect punches.
Rzepecki is younger, aggressive and more willing to engage in untidy exchanges. He attacks with combinations, pressure and clinch work. Rzepecki can also transition quickly into front chokes when opponents expose their necks during takedown attempts or scrambles.
The betting line has heavily favored Zaynukov, but the matchup looks more competitive than those odds suggest. Neither man has faced UFC-caliber opposition consistently, and both will be dealing with the pressure of an Octagon debut.
Rzepecki may have success pushing Zaynukov backward and turning the fight into a clinch-heavy battle. Zaynukov’s experience as a high-level striker should still allow him to land the cleaner blows.
This fight may be decided by volume rather than one dominant moment. Zaynukov should score consistently with combinations and kicks while avoiding enough of Rzepecki’s submission threats to win all three rounds.
MSB pick: Zaynukov defeats Rzepecki by unanimous decision.
Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune
Heavyweight bout
MSB prediction: Kuniev by unanimous decision
Kuniev and Fortune are former PFL competitors attempting to establish themselves in the UFC heavyweight rankings.
Kuniev is ranked inside the top 10 after defeating Jailton Almeida. He is physically strong, difficult to take down and more durable than many heavyweights. His fights are not always fast-paced, but Kuniev remains defensively responsible and rarely gives opponents easy opportunities.
Fortune has long been viewed as a physically gifted heavyweight. He possesses legitimate knockout power and a strong wrestling background. Fortune’s victory over Marcin Tybura showed he can compete with established UFC heavyweights.
The issue is volume. Neither fighter consistently produces extended offensive combinations. Fortune may attempt double-leg takedowns, but Kuniev’s size and takedown defense should make those attempts difficult.
Much of the contest could take place in the clinch or at boxing range with both fighters waiting for the other to overcommit. Fortune is the more explosive athlete, but Kuniev appears more dependable from round to round.
Kuniev should land slightly more often, defend most of Fortune’s takedowns and use clinch control to win a methodical decision.
MSB pick: Kuniev defeats Fortune by unanimous decision.
Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev
Welterweight bout
MSB prediction: Vagaev by unanimous decision
This is a high-level wrestling matchup disguised as an unranked main-card opener.
Vagaev enters the UFC after an accomplished run in ACA. His most recent major victory came over former UFC fighter Albert Tumenov in a five-round welterweight title fight. Vagaev has 24 professional victories but only four knockouts and one submission, illustrating how frequently he wins through pressure, control and decision-making rather than explosive finishes.
Izagakhmaev is a combat sambo specialist who trains within the same general system that produced Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is a dangerous wrestler with more finishing ability than Vagaev.
However, Izagakhmaev lost his UFC debut after Nicolas Dalby exhausted him through clinch pressure, knees and elbows. That performance exposed concerns about Izagakhmaev’s stamina when an opponent can stop his initial takedowns and force him to work from unfavorable positions.
Vagaev is well-equipped to repeat that formula. He applies steady pressure, defends takedowns well and is comfortable forcing opponents against the fence.
Izagakhmaev needs to wrestle from open space rather than allowing Vagaev to establish underhooks against the cage. Early takedowns could change the entire fight, but failed attempts may drain Izagakhmaev quickly.
Vagaev should gradually take control through pressure, clinch fighting and superior conditioning.
MSB pick: Vagaev defeats Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision.
Preliminary Card
Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen
Heavyweight bout
MSB prediction: Walker by first-round submission
Walker has become one of the strangest specialists in the UFC.
The heavyweight has won four consecutive fights by first-round heel hook. Three of those submissions came in less than 90 seconds. Despite every opponent knowing exactly what Walker wants to do, no one during the streak has been able to stop it.
Petersen is a compact heavyweight who prefers to advance, throw basic combinations and transition into offensive wrestling. That approach may take him directly into Walker’s strongest position.
Petersen would be better served maintaining distance, forcing Walker to shoot from too far away and punishing failed leg-lock attempts. However, Petersen has generally been most comfortable initiating clinches and takedowns.
Walker will probably accept bottom position, attack Petersen’s legs and create another unusual finish.
MSB pick: Walker defeats Petersen by heel hook in the first round.
Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Said
Light heavyweight bout
MSB prediction: Jacoby by second-round knockout
Jacoby remains one of the division’s most technically experienced kickboxers. He is comfortable fighting behind a jab, targeting the legs and countering opponents who overextend.
Said’s path is to pressure Jacoby physically and prevent him from settling into a controlled kickboxing rhythm. Said cannot remain at the end of Jacoby’s punches and kicks.
Jacoby has occasionally struggled when opponents force him backward, but his experience advantage should be significant. Expect Jacoby to spend the first round collecting information before increasing his output.
A clean right hand or combination against the fence should end the fight during the second round.
MSB pick: Jacoby defeats Said by knockout in the second round.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Sam Patterson
Welterweight bout
MSB prediction: Patterson by second-round submission
Ponzinibbio is one of the most accomplished veterans on the preliminary card, but his recent results and inactivity raise serious questions.
Once considered a potential welterweight title challenger, Ponzinibbio has won only three of his last nine fights. He is also returning after more than a year away and after withdrawing from a 2025 bout because of injury.
Patterson is younger, taller and dangerous during transitions. His length creates problems on the feet, but his submission game may be the deciding factor.
Ponzinibbio still possesses sharp boxing and enough power to punish Patterson’s defensive mistakes. Patterson cannot stand directly in front of him and exchange recklessly.
The likely difference is Patterson’s ability to turn a striking exchange into a grappling sequence. Ponzinibbio has accumulated significant damage over a long career, and Patterson should have the athletic advantage.
Expect Patterson to weather an aggressive opening round, secure a takedown or scramble during the second and finish from the back.
MSB pick: Patterson defeats Ponzinibbio by rear-naked choke in the second round.
Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola
Lightweight bout
MSB prediction: Sola by split decision
Bonfim is a dangerous boxer who attacks the body well and can generate significant power from close range. His inconsistency has come when opponents deny him a comfortable striking pace or force him into prolonged grappling exchanges.
Sola enters as an intriguing prospect. He should attempt to remain mobile, create angles and prevent Bonfim from planting his feet.
Bonfim may land the harder individual shots, particularly during the first round. Sola’s activity and ability to mix phases should become more influential as the fight continues.
This matchup could produce one of the closest scorecards of the afternoon. Sola’s volume and late-round work earn the narrow edge.
MSB pick: Sola defeats Bonfim by split decision.
Brendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov
Light heavyweight bout
MSB prediction: Tuchalov by first-round knockout
Ribeiro brings length, power and unpredictability. He is capable of creating a finish quickly, but his defensive lapses frequently turn his fights into dangerous exchanges.
Tuchalov should not need much encouragement to engage. The key will be remaining compact rather than matching Ribeiro’s wild attacks.
Ribeiro’s best chance is to use his reach, maintain distance and force Tuchalov to walk into straight punches. The problem is that Ribeiro rarely maintains that disciplined approach for an entire fight.
A chaotic opening favors the fighter with the tighter defensive structure. Tuchalov should find Ribeiro’s chin during an early exchange.
MSB pick: Tuchalov defeats Ribeiro by knockout in the first round.
Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis
Lightweight bout
MSB prediction: Davis by unanimous decision
Aliev is an aggressive wrestler who wants to close distance, force opponents backward and control them against the cage.
Davis is the more polished striker and owns enough physical strength to make Aliev work for every takedown. Davis must avoid accepting bottom position or spending long stretches with his back against the fence.
Aliev should produce control time, particularly early. Davis’ ability to create separation and land the more damaging strikes may ultimately carry greater weight with the judges.
Expect several competitive grappling exchanges before Davis takes over portions of the second and third rounds.
MSB pick: Davis defeats Aliev by unanimous decision.
Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein
Bantamweight bout
MSB prediction: Hussein by unanimous decision
Gibson is an experienced veteran who understands how to manage difficult fights. He uses length well, changes levels and rarely becomes overwhelmed by a single bad position.
Hussein is younger and should enter with advantages in speed and explosiveness. His challenge will be preventing Gibson from slowing the pace with clinch work and veteran tactics.
Gibson may have success early by making the fight uncomfortable. Hussein should eventually begin winning the striking exchanges and defending enough takedowns to separate himself on the scorecards.
MSB pick: Hussein defeats Gibson by unanimous decision.
MSB Fight Club Predictions
| Matchup | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov | Ankalaev by third-round TKO |
| Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov | Erceg by split decision |
| Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman | Dulatov by first-round knockout |
| Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki | Zaynukov by unanimous decision |
| Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune | Kuniev by unanimous decision |
| Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev | Vagaev by unanimous decision |
| Valter Walker vs. Thomas Petersen | Walker by first-round submission |
| Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Said | Jacoby by second-round knockout |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Sam Patterson | Patterson by second-round submission |
| Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola | Sola by split decision |
| Brendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov | Tuchalov by first-round knockout |
| Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis | Davis by unanimous decision |
| Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein | Hussein by unanimous decision |
MSB Fight Club Take
UFC Abu Dhabi is not built around established mainstream stars, but it is filled with meaningful matchups.
Ankalaev must prove his championship loss was a temporary setback rather than the beginning of a decline. Guskov has an opportunity to transform his career with one clean punch. Erceg and Temirov are fighting to move closer to the flyweight top five, while Dulatov, Zaynukov, Rzepecki and several other prospects are attempting to turn regional success into UFC relevance.
The safest prediction is Dulatov overwhelming Turman. The most competitive matchup may be Erceg against Temirov. The most unusual storyline remains Walker’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive heel-hook victory.
The main event carries the greatest divisional importance. Ankalaev remains the more complete fighter, but Guskov is exactly the type of short-notice opponent who can make a controlled fight unpredictable. Ankalaev should survive the early danger, regain command and begin his climb toward another championship opportunity with a third-round stoppage.
