FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Magomed Ankalaev's surprising knockout at UFC Abu Dhabi

Ankalaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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It wasn't pretty to watch, but Magomed Ankalaev managed to win without a decision, something that hadn't happened since 2024. At UFC Abu Dhabi , an event held this Saturday (25), the former light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg) faced Bogdan Guskov and had no trouble at all. After the fans booed the fight, the Russian 'woke up' and knocked out Valter Walker 's friend in the fifth and final round.

The fight did not please the fans. Despite his skill and technique, Ankalaev played it safe in the octagon, meaning he didn't pull the trigger, much less accelerate the pace of the fight. Meanwhile, Guskov, competing in the biggest fight of his career, stalled and never threatened the former champion at any point.

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Annoyed by the lack of action, the fans didn't forgive the pair. From then on, the Russian changed his strategy, resorting to grappling and, on the ground, punished his opponent. Magomed tried to finish the Uzbek with a rear-naked choke, but was unsuccessful. Then, the athlete delivered a hard sequence of punches to Guskov, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

But if you missed the fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov , check out the video below.

FIGHT VIDEO: Watch Magomed Ankalaev's surprising knockout at UFC Abu Dhabi

Back in the win column 💪 @AnkalaevM found the finish to stay on top of the light heavyweight rankings!

[ #UFCAbuDhabi | @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0sIfJpMfo1

— UFC (@ufc) July 25, 2026

UFC Abu Dhabi results

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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