Magomed Ankalaev Returns to Fight Khalil Rountree

Magomed Ankalaev is set to return to the Octagon on July 25, headlining UFC Abu Dhabi against Khalil Rountree.

Ankalaev lost the light heavyweight crown in October.

Rountree is coming off a 1-1 campaign in 2025.

Ankalaev's last fight was at UFC 320, where he suffered an 80-second technical knockout loss to Alex Pereira.

Prior to that loss, Ankalaev had a 14-bout promotional unbeaten streak.

He claimed 205-pound gold with a five-round verdict over Alex Pereira at UFC 313.

Umar Nurmagomedov will face David Martinez in the bantamweight co-headliner.

Nurmagomedov won his first 18 professional outings before dropping a unanimous decision to Merab Dvalishvili.

UFC Abu Dhabi takes place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and airs on Paramount+.

The event features a main card with Ankalaev vs Rountree and Nurmagomedov vs Martinez.

Ankalaev owns victories over Aleksandar Rakic, Johnny Walker, and Thiago Santos.

Rountree had a five-bout winning streak from 2021 to 2023.

Ankalaev will face Rountree on July 25, seeking to rebound from his October loss.

The fight is expected to be a highly competitive matchup between two top light heavyweights.

Nurmagomedov has rebounded from his loss to post back-to-back triumphs over Mario Bautista and Deiveson Figueiredo.

Martinez has emerged as one of the bantamweight division's rising stars during a 10-bout professional winning streak.

The UFC Abu Dhabi card features several exciting matchups, including Ankalaev vs Rountree and Nurmagomedov vs Martinez.

The event is scheduled to take place on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

UFC Fight Night 282, also known as UFC Abu Dhabi, will air in its entirety on Paramount+.

The event promises to be an exciting night of fights, with Ankalaev and Rountree headlining the main card.