Magomed Ankalaev Seeks Redemption in UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Magomed Ankalaev Seeks Redemption in UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov

Magomed Ankalaev, the second-ranked Russian light heavyweight, will look to bounce back from a TKO loss to Alex Pereira in the UFC light heavyweight title bout at UFC 320 this past October. Ankalaev will face ninth-ranked Bogdan Guskov in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Yas Island/Yas West, United Arab Emirates.

What's at stake for Magomed Ankalaev?

Ankalaev's loss to Pereira was a significant setback for the Russian, who had been on a roll in the UFC. However, he has a chance to redeem himself against Guskov, who is coming off a draw with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323 on December 6, 2025.

Why is Magomed Ankalaev favored to win?

Ankalaev is a -535 favorite in the UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, indicating that he is heavily favored to win. However, Guskov is a formidable opponent, and Ankalaev will need to be at the top of his game to secure the victory.

What are the key matchups to watch?

In addition to the main event, there are several other key matchups on the card, including a men's lightweight bout between Mike Davis and Nurullo Aliev. SportsLine MMA expert Kyle Marley has released his predictions for the card, and he is backing Davis to win via split decision.

"Aliev is the better wrestler with a perfect 11-0 record and will have the crowd behind him," Marley said. "Davis is the better striker and overall athlete in this matchup, and he just needs not to get stuck on his back here. I could see this fight going either way, so I'll side with the underdog by split."

What's next for Magomed Ankalaev?

A win over Guskov would be a significant step forward for Ankalaev, who is looking to regain his momentum in the UFC. However, a loss would be a setback, and Ankalaev would need to regroup and reassess his strategy.

The event will take place on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Yas Island/Yas West, United Arab Emirates, and will be streamed live on Paramount+.