A former champion is set to make his return on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi. Magomed Ankalaev is back in action in the main event of UFC Fight Night when he takes on late replacement Bogdan Guskov at the Etihad Arena.
Ankalaev was originally scheduled to face Khalil Rountree Jr. in this spot, but an injury forced his withdrawal. Instead, he takes on another rising contender in Guskov, who was preparing for a fight next week in Serbia.
The fight marks Ankalaev's first appearance since his rematch with Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title. Ankalaev said he entered the fight with a significant rib injury and has plans to erase that memory quickly on Saturday.
Sign up for Paramount+ and watch UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov for no additional fee -- every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with your subscription! Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year!
Guskov, meanwhile, was on a four-fight win streak before earning a draw against another former champion his last time out in Jan Blachowicz. Guskov was prepping to face Blachowicz in a rematch when he got the call for this showdown instead.
Saturday's card has some familiar faces fans will be interested in checking out. Former title challenger Steve Erceg is back when he takes on Ramazan Temirov at flyweight. Rising heavyweight contender Valter Walker looks to lock in another heel hook when he takes on Thomas Peterson on the prelims. And veteran welterweight Santiago Ponzinibbio looks to turn away the rising contender in Sam Patterson.
Below is how you can catch all the action on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Also, be sure to check out our full preview and expert picks for the main event.
How to watch UFC Fight Night on Paramount+
All times Eastern
Date: Saturday, July 25 | Start time: Noon ET (main card)
Location: Etihad Arena -- Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
TV channel: Paramount+ (subscribe now for as low as $8.99 per month)
Subscribe to watch UFC on Paramount+
Paramount+ is the home of UFC. All 13 UFC numbered events and 30 UFC Fight Nights stream exclusively on the service for seven years through 2033. It is a monumental move that makes UFC more accessible than ever.
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UFC Fight Night card, odds
Odds via DraftKings
| Favorite | Underdog | Weight class |
|---|---|---|
| Magomed Ankalaev -550 | Bogdan Guskov +410 | Light heavyweight |
| Steve Erceg -112 | Ramazan Temirov -108 | Flyweight |
| Islam Dulatov -1000 | Wellington Turman +650 | Welterweight |
| Magomed Zaynukov -298 | Damian Rzepecki +240 | Lightweight |
| Rizvan Kuniev -340 | Tyrell Fortune +270 | Heavyweight |
| Abubakar Vagaev -250 | Saygid Izagakhmaev +205 | Welterweight |
What is the UFC event schedule in 2026?
UFC 329 and many more UFC Fight Nights have already been announced. Additional events will be announced as the year progresses with the UFC schedule updating regularly. Every event will be available along with your Paramount+ subscription.
Who wins Ankalaev vs. Guskov, and how exactly does the fight end? Visit SportsLine now to get detailed picks and analysis from the incomparable expert who is up over $21,000 on his UFC picks since May 2018, and find out.
