Why Bogdan Guskov still thinks Magomed Ankalaev is UFC’s best at 205
· Yahoo Sports
Bogdan
Guskov considers Magomed
Ankalaev the best light heavyweight in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Guskov (18-3) is scheduled to fight Ankalaev (20-2) in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Guskov stepped up to accept the fight on 14 days’ notice after Ankalaev’s original opponent, Khalil Rountree, pulled out due to an injury.
If he comes out on top, Guskov is eyeing championship gold.
Despite Ankalaev not being the current champion, Guskov still considers the Russian the best 205-pounder. The surging Uzbek contender believes Ankalaev just had a “bad night at the office” in his rematch against Alex Pereira, in which he lost the title. As such, a win over the former champion warrants a title shot, according to the 33-year-old.
“For me, Magomed is the strongest guy in our division,” Guskov told MMA Junkie. “Second fight with Pereira is just one fight, bad day in the office. And Magomed is still a dangerous and stronger guy in our division… For me, the next fight is a title shot. We try to take gold in the UFC.”
Ankalaev was undefeated in 14 straight outings since 2018 before his loss to Pereira. Meanwhile, Guskov was on a four-fight finishing streak before fighting former champ Jan Blachowicz to a draw in his last outing. He has finished all 18 of his career wins so far.
The belt is currently held by Carlos Ulberg, who suffered an injury in his title-winning effort earlier this year. UFC CEO Dana White has since revealed that an interim title bout is likely next in the light heavyweight division as Ulberg recovers.
Guskov (18-3) is scheduled to fight Ankalaev (20-2) in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Guskov stepped up to accept the fight on 14 days’ notice after Ankalaev’s original opponent, Khalil Rountree, pulled out due to an injury.
If he comes out on top, Guskov is eyeing championship gold.
Guskov breaks down Ankalaev’s standing after Alex Pereira rematch loss
Despite Ankalaev not being the current champion, Guskov still considers the Russian the best 205-pounder. The surging Uzbek contender believes Ankalaev just had a “bad night at the office” in his rematch against Alex Pereira, in which he lost the title. As such, a win over the former champion warrants a title shot, according to the 33-year-old.
“For me, Magomed is the strongest guy in our division,” Guskov told MMA Junkie. “Second fight with Pereira is just one fight, bad day in the office. And Magomed is still a dangerous and stronger guy in our division… For me, the next fight is a title shot. We try to take gold in the UFC.”
Ankalaev was undefeated in 14 straight outings since 2018 before his loss to Pereira. Meanwhile, Guskov was on a four-fight finishing streak before fighting former champ Jan Blachowicz to a draw in his last outing. He has finished all 18 of his career wins so far.
The belt is currently held by Carlos Ulberg, who suffered an injury in his title-winning effort earlier this year. UFC CEO Dana White has since revealed that an interim title bout is likely next in the light heavyweight division as Ulberg recovers.
Bogdan Guskov thinks beating Magomed Ankalaev at #UFCAbuDhabi should get him a title shot.
"Magomed is strongest guy in our division. Second fight with Pereira is bad day in the office."
(via @MikeBohn) pic.twitter.com/IiHagRBrEl— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) July 22, 2026
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