Bogdan Guskov set for UFC Abu Dhabi main event bout
Bogdan Guskov will replace injured Khalil Rountree Jr. in the UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi main event, facing No. 1-ranked Magomed Ankalaev on July 25 at Etihad Arena. The No. 10 light heavyweight from Uzbekistan steps into his first UFC main event on short notice with a perfect finishing record of 18 stoppages.
Key Takeaways
- Bogdan Guskov replaces Khalil Rountree Jr., who withdrew due to injury, against Magomed Ankalaev.
- UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov is set for Saturday, July 25, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
- Guskov (18-3-1) owns 18 finishes in 18 wins, including 13 first-round stoppages, and is unbeaten in his last five fights.
- The Uzbek contender accepted the short-notice bout within about a minute and called Ankalaev the division’s best.
Why was Bogdan Guskov added to the Abu Dhabi main event?
According to UFC.com, Rountree Jr. is out of the July 25 Fight Night main event because of injury. Stepping in against former light heavyweight champion and No. 1-ranked Ankalaev is Uzbekistan’s top-ranked fighter, No. 10 Bogdan Guskov.
The National reports Guskov took the fight on short notice for the Etihad Arena card, continuing UFC’s long partnership with Abu Dhabi that dates back to 2010. Tickets start from Dh195 and are available via Ticketmaster.ae.
What makes Guskov a dangerous short-notice opponent?
Guskov is known for knockout power. UFC notes all 18 of his wins have come by finish, with 13 ending in the opening round. The National lists him at 18-3-1 and Ankalaev at 21-2-1, with Guskov unbeaten across his last five bouts at age 33.
That finishing profile makes the light heavyweight showdown a high-stakes first main event for Guskov. Coverage of fight-week shake-ups also lands in BlasterPost’s Future Tech & AI Wonders section when big-stage sports stories break fast.
How has Guskov reacted to facing Ankalaev?
In comments to Telecom Asia Sport, Guskov said a slow path to the belt is not his style and that he now has the chance to test himself against the division’s best fighter. He said he had been preparing for a different date and opponent before the call came.
Guskov said the UFC gave him 24 hours to decide, then he hung up and called back about a minute later to accept. He added that the bout is not a title fight, voiced admiration for Ankalaev as a fighter and person, and said he is excited ahead of Abu Dhabi.
UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs Guskov remains locked for Saturday, July 25, at Etihad Arena, with Guskov aiming to make the most of his first UFC main-event opportunity.