Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Magomed Ankalaev believes he has done enough to force his way back into the UFC light heavyweight title picture after returning to winning ways at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, although his performance has sparked debate over where he stands in a rapidly evolving division.
The former champion stopped late replacement Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round at Etihad Arena on Saturday night to end a difficult spell following his title defeat to Alex Pereira. The victory reaffirmed Ankalaev's status among the division's elite, but with reigning champion Carlos Ulberg currently sidelined through injury, the road back to championship gold remains uncertain.
Ankalaev, however, left little doubt about his ambitions.
"I want the title next," he said after recording his first victory since losing the belt. The Russian admitted the setback against Pereira had been the toughest moment of his career but insisted it had strengthened his resolve.
"I think the defeat was beneficial because it made me more motivated. It made me train harder and gave me a reason to come back and prove that I belong here," he said after the fight.
Having comfortably controlled much of Saturday's contest before securing the late stoppage, Ankalaev believes he remains the division's leading contender despite criticism from some fans over the pace of the fight.
The victory was enough to return him to the conversation surrounding the championship picture, although questions remain over who the UFC will match him with next if Ulberg is unable to defend his title in the coming months.
Ankalaev has already indicated he would welcome a showdown with former middleweight title challenger Paulo Costa if a championship opportunity is delayed, while also maintaining his desire to complete a trilogy with Pereira should the Brazilian return from heavyweight.
For Guskov, the defeat ended a four-fight winning streak but did little to diminish the respect he earned by accepting the contest at short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr withdrew from the main event. The Uzbek refused to dwell on the disappointment, posting a message to supporters within hours of the defeat.
"Captain Uzbekistan never gives up. We'll meet again," he wrote, hinting at a future rematch while thanking fans for their support.
Although the bout represented his first defeat in almost two years, Guskov's willingness to step in against one of the division's most accomplished fighters reinforced his growing reputation as one of the UFC's most fearless competitors.
Away from the headline bout, another Dagestani prospect with strong UAE links enjoyed a memorable evening.
Magomed Zaynukov, who first caught the attention of regional fans through UAE Warriors before earning a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series, produced a composed display to win his promotional debut.
The lightweight, better known by his nickname "Chanko", later revealed that former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov had immediately phoned him after the fight with both praise and constructive criticism.
According to Zaynukov, Khabib's first observation had nothing to do with his striking or wrestling but with a lapse in concentration after the final bell.
"Khabib told me I shouldn't have been looking at the screen," Zaynukov said, explaining that his mentor reminded him to remain focused until the referee officially completed the contest.
The advice reflected the meticulous standards that have become synonymous with Nurmagomedov's camp, where even victory is analysed for lessons that can shape future performances.
Zaynukov also laughed off the internet nickname "John Pork", which has followed him since appearing on Dana White's Contender Series, reiterating that he prefers to be known simply as "Chanko".
Saturday's event once again underlined Abu Dhabi's growing importance on the UFC calendar. Alongside Ankalaev's return to contention and Zaynukov's successful debut, the card featured several standout finishes, including Ramazan Temirov's knockout victory over Steve Erceg and Valter Walker's latest submission success, performances that earned post-fight bonuses from the promotion.
