Magomed Ankalaev showed that he has completely overcome the knockout he suffered against Alex Poatan in just over a minute in the immediate rematch. The former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) returned to action this Saturday (25), in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi , ignored the boos and dominated Bogdan Guskov . In the fifth and final round, the Russian knocked out Valter Walker 's friend , who offered no resistance.
Upon recovering, Ankalaev put himself back on track for the light heavyweight title. Furthermore, with champion Carlos Ulberg still sidelined due to a serious leg injury, the Russian could end up facing Paulo Borrachinha in a potential interim title fight.
Magomed Ankalaev , 34, is an elite athlete and, not surprisingly, was the UFC light heavyweight champion. Currently, the Russian is ranked second in the division. He began his career in the sport in 2014 and debuted in the organization in 2018. Over the years, 'Big Ank' has built a record of 21 wins, two losses, one draw, and one no contest. His main victories were over Aleksandar Rakic , Alex Poatan , Anthony Smith , Johnny Walker , Thiago Marreta , and Volkan Oezdemir.
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Ankalaev started the fight cautiously. On the other hand, Guskov landed low kicks. Gradually, Ankalaev loosened up and distributed punches and kicks to Guskov. Then, Guskov threatened Ankalaev with a good high kick. In turn, Ankalaev landed a powerful straight right on Guskov. Calmly, Ankalaev continued scoring points by landing kicks to Guskov's midsection and also low kicks. In the final seconds, Guskov missed a kick and Ankalaev took advantage to throw a powerful punch at him.
The second round was more of the same, with Ankalaev being superior. More technical, Ankalaev posed a threat to Guskov with his straight punches and kicks. Uncomfortable with Ankalaev's pressure, Guskov struggled to attack and retreated in the octagon. Again, Ankalaev landed a powerful straight punch on Guskov. After being surprised by a good cross from Guskov, Ankalaev sought a takedown, but was unsuccessful.
In the third round, Ankalaev was effective again in the striking exchanges with his high kicks and straight punches. At a disadvantage, Guskov timidly landed low kicks. The lack of aggression in the fight was so great that the fans booed the fighters. Quickly, Ankalaev became more aggressive and startled Guskov with straight punches and crosses. Again, the fans began to boo the fighters. In the final stretch, annoyed Ankalaev chased Guskov and startled him with good punches.
Right at the start of the fourth round, Ankalaev easily took Guskov down and controlled him on the ground. On top, Ankalaev landed punches on Guskov, who defended as best he could. Dominant, Ankalaev took Guskov's back and attempted a rear-naked choke, but couldn't finish it. Nevertheless, Ankalaev continued to score points in the fight by throwing punches and elbows at Guskov.
In the fifth and final round, Ankalaev easily took Guskov down and defended against an attack from him. On top, Ankalaev controlled Guskov effortlessly and landed a hard sequence of punches, forcing the referee to stop and end the fight.
Ankalaev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
UFC Abu Dhabi results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by knockout (punches) 2m39s R5
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Ramazan Temirov defeated Steve Erceg by knockout (punches) at 4:21 of round 1.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman – fight cancelled
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Rizvan Kuniev defeated Tyrell Fortune by technical knockout (knees) at 1:12 of round 3.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Abubakar Vagaev defeated Saygid Izagakhmaev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Valter Walker defeated Thomas Petersen by submission (calf lock) at 1:32 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Muhammad Saidov defeated Dustin Jacoby by technical knockout (punches) at 4:48 of round 2.
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Sam Patterson defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio by knockout (punch) at 3:06 of round 2.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Axel Sola defeated Ismael Bonfim by submission (arm-triangle choke) at 4:44 of round 1.
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Magomed Tuchalov defeated Brendson Ribeiro by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Nurullo Aliev defeated Mike Davis by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Abdul Hussein defeated Cody Gibson by submission (katagatame) at 3:07 of round 3.
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