Ankalaev Demands Trilogy With Pereira After Abu Dhabi Victory

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Magomed Ankalaev, a fighter from Russia, and Bogdan Guskov, a fighter from Uzbekistan, were the main competitors in the UFC Abu Dhabi event.

MMA Fighting - Ankalaev is currently ranked No. 3 in the light heavyweight division and No. 17 in the Pound-for-Pound Rankings, while Guskov is ranked No. 12 at 205 pounds.

WHAT:

Sportskeeda - Ankalaev achieved a late stoppage victory over Guskov in the fifth round of their fight.

MMA Fighting - Ankalaev called for a trilogy fight against Alex Pereira following his victory.

MMA Fighting - Guskov stepped in on short notice to replace Khalil Rountree Jr. for the fight.

WHERE:

MMA Fighting - The UFC Abu Dhabi event took place at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

WHEN:

MMA Fighting - The ceremonial weigh-in for the fight occurred on July 24, 2026.

WHY:

MMA Fighting - Ankalaev's desire for a trilogy fight with Pereira stems from having lost to Pereira in a previous UFC title fight, marking his first defeat since 2018.

HOW:

MMA Fighting - The fight between Ankalaev and Guskov was part of a light heavyweight contest in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi.

In a thrilling main event at UFC Abu Dhabi, Magomed Ankalaev secured a late stoppage victory over Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round of their light heavyweight contest. Following his win, Ankalaev, currently ranked No. 3 in the light heavyweight division, called for a trilogy fight against Alex Pereira, motivated by his previous loss to Pereira in a title match. Guskov stepped in on short notice to replace Khalil Rountree Jr., making the bout an exciting highlight at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.