Ali Akbar Rosady
Baku, Azerbaijan – The official weigh-ins for UFC Abu Dhabi concluded Friday in Azerbaijan, with all 26 scheduled fighters successfully making weight for Saturday’s fight card. The ceremonial weigh-ins, featuring face-offs and final pre-fight statements, commenced at 10 a.m. ET, building anticipation for the full event. The main card and preliminary bouts are set to be broadcast on Paramount+, with the prelims starting at 9 a.m. ET and the main card following at 12 p.m. ET.
Headlining the event is a pivotal light heavyweight contest between Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov. Both athletes successfully registered their weights, with Ankalaev hitting 205.5 pounds and Guskov matching him at 205.5 pounds, both well within the 206-pound non-title fight limit for the division. The bout carries significant implications for the light heavyweight rankings, potentially propelling the winner closer to a championship opportunity.
Magomed Ankalaev, a formidable Dagestani contender, enters the contest ranked No. 3 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings for the light heavyweight division, and also holds the No. 17 spot in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings. With a professional record of 18 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, and 1 No Contest, Ankalaev has established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 205-pound weight class. Known for his elite-level striking, precision counter-punching, and a strong wrestling base, Ankalaev has consistently demonstrated a calm and calculated approach inside the octagon.
Ankalaev’s journey through the UFC light heavyweight ranks has been marked by a dominant streak following his sole professional defeat in his UFC debut back in 2018. His most recent outings, however, have seen mixed results, reflecting the increasingly competitive nature of the division. His last official bout in January 2024 resulted in a TKO loss to Johnny Walker due to a doctor’s stoppage, a contest that followed a No Contest against the same opponent in October 2023. Prior to these encounters, Ankalaev fought to a controversial draw with Jan Blachowicz for the interim UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in December 2022, a fight many observers believed he had won. His resume includes significant victories over high-caliber opponents such as Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos, and Volkan Oezdemir, showcasing his ability to compete and win at the highest level. A decisive victory over Guskov is crucial for Ankalaev to reassert his claim for a shot at the undisputed light heavyweight title.
Related News :
- Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Declares for 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft Amidst Heightened NBA Trade Market Speculation.
- Aljamain Sterling Alleges UFC Prioritizes Marketability Over Merit in Controversial Featherweight Title Rematch
- NBA Sees Star Wembanyama Sidelined, Bulls Coach Exits Amid Playoff Push; NFL Draft Set for Unpredictable Selections
- UFC Ushers In Paramount+ Era with Star-Studded 2026 Schedule, Holloway-Oliveira BMF Showdown Headlining UFC 326
- Ronda Rousey Confirms Definitive Retirement Following Historic MVP MMA Victory Over Gina Carano
Facing Ankalaev is Bogdan Guskov, a fast-rising contender currently ranked No. 12 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. Guskov, with a professional record of 16 wins and 3 losses, has built a reputation as a dangerous finisher, primarily relying on his aggressive striking and knockout power. His journey to the UFC saw him accumulate an impressive record on the regional circuit, finishing many of his opponents within the first round. In the UFC, Guskov has shown flashes of his potential, notably securing a TKO victory over Zac Pauga in his last outing in February 2024, which served as a rebound from his UFC debut loss to Volkan Oezdemir in September 2023. This main event clash represents a significant step up in competition for Guskov, offering him an opportunity to break into the top echelon of the division and announce himself as a legitimate threat to the title picture. His aggressive style against Ankalaev’s technical precision promises a compelling tactical battle.
In the co-main event, a high-stakes flyweight bout will see one-time UFC title challenger Steve Erceg take on Ramazan Temirov. Both fighters successfully made the flyweight limit, with Erceg weighing in at 126 pounds and Temirov also at 126 pounds. Steve Erceg (12-2-0 professional record) made a rapid ascent through the flyweight ranks, culminating in a title challenge against reigning champion Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301 in May 2024. Despite a valiant effort, Erceg ultimately lost the championship bout by unanimous decision, marking his first defeat since 2019. Known for his well-rounded skill set, including slick striking, effective grappling, and high fight IQ, Erceg will be looking to immediately bounce back and re-establish his position as a top contender in the notoriously deep flyweight division.
Ramazan Temirov, with a professional record of 16 wins and 1 loss, enters this fight with considerable momentum. While less experienced in the UFC octagon than Erceg, Temirov has compiled an impressive record outside the promotion, showcasing a diverse skill set that includes powerful striking and solid ground game. This fight against a recent title challenger like Erceg represents a monumental opportunity for Temirov to make a statement and significantly boost his profile within the UFC flyweight landscape. The winner of this co-main event will undoubtedly be positioned for further high-profile matchups within the 125-pound division.
The main card for UFC Abu Dhabi features a slate of intriguing matchups across various weight classes. In a welterweight contest, Islam Dulatov (171 lbs) faces Wellington Turman (170 lbs). Dulatov, known for his aggressive stand-up, will look to continue his ascent, while Turman, a veteran with a more grappling-centric style, aims to snap a recent losing streak. A lightweight bout sees Magomed Zaynukov (155.5 lbs) square off against Damian Rzepecki (155.5 lbs), with both fighters looking to make an impact in the competitive 155-pound division.
The heavyweight division will also be represented, with Rizvan Kuniev (265.5 lbs) set to face Tyrell Fortune. Fortune’s weight was not explicitly detailed in the initial weigh-in reports but is expected to be within the heavyweight limits. Kuniev, known for his powerful wrestling and ground-and-pound, will look to impose his will against Fortune, a formidable opponent with a strong background in collegiate wrestling and mixed martial arts. An additional welterweight clash features Abubakar Vagaev (171 lbs) against Saygid Izagakhmaev, whose weight was also not detailed in initial reports. This bout pits two highly regarded prospects/contenders against each other in what promises to be a high-octane affair.
The preliminary card, kicking off the event, also includes several compelling fights. In a heavyweight matchup, Valter Walker (248 lbs) takes on Thomas Petersen (245 lbs). Both fighters are aiming to make their mark in the heavyweight division, with Walker looking to build on recent performances and Petersen seeking to establish consistency. Dustin Jacoby is scheduled to fight Muhammad Saidov (206 lbs) in a light heavyweight encounter. Jacoby, a seasoned veteran known for his striking, will test Saidov’s skills.
A welterweight battle features Santiago Ponzinibbio (171 lbs) against Sam Patterson (170.5 lbs). Ponzinibbio, a fan-favorite veteran with significant knockout power, will be looking for a decisive victory to climb back into the welterweight rankings, while Patterson aims to upset the veteran and gain valuable experience. Ismael Bonfim (155.5 lbs) will face Axel Sola (155.5 lbs) in a lightweight bout, promising an exciting display of skill from two promising contenders.
Further light heavyweight action will see Magomed Tuchalov (205.5 lbs) meet Brendson Ribeiro (206 lbs). Both fighters are looking to secure a victory in the division, with Tuchalov known for his technical prowess and Ribeiro for his aggressive style. Mike Davis (156 lbs) will fight Nurullo Aliev (156 lbs) in another lightweight contest. Davis, a skilled striker, will face the powerful wrestling and ground game of Aliev, a highly touted prospect. Finally, the preliminary card is rounded out by a bantamweight bout between Cody Gibson and Abdul Hussein (135.5 lbs). Gibson, an experienced fighter, will test Hussein, whose weight was explicitly confirmed within the bantamweight limits.
The UFC Abu Dhabi event underscores the promotion’s continued global expansion and its strategic importance in the Middle Eastern market. With all fighters successfully making weight, the stage is set for a full night of mixed martial arts action, promising high-stakes matchups and potentially career-defining moments for many of the athletes involved.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAJuly 24, 2026All Fighters Make Weight in Azerbaijan Ahead of UFC Abu Dhabi Showdown Featuring Ankalaev and Guskov.
MMAJuly 23, 2026Messi Achieves Historic World Cup Goal Mark as Shinnecock Hills Prepares for U.S. Open Grand Slam Bid, NBA Braces for ‘Summer of LeBron’
MMAJuly 23, 2026Kamaru Usman Considers Future After Uncharacteristic Performance Against Dricus du Plessis.
MMAJuly 23, 2026Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Declares for 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft Amidst Tumultuous NBA Offseason and Chicago Bulls Coaching Shift
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
