UFC Books 2 Abu Dhabi Headliners for July 25 as Ankalaev, Rountree Rebound

6 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 1

July 25’s UFC Abu Dhabi card now features Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event and Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martínez in the co-main event, the promotion said Monday.
Ankalaev returns for his first fight since Alex Pereira stopped him in 80 seconds in October, ending the former light heavyweight champion’s title reign.
Rountree is also coming off a loss — to Jiri Prochazka on the same October card — after winning six of his previous eight UFC bouts.
At 135 pounds, Nurmagomedov has rebounded from the only defeat of his 21-fight career with wins over Deiveson Figueiredo and Mario Bautista, while Martínez brings a 14-1 record and three straight UFC victories.
The Abu Dhabi lineup also includes Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov and Dustin Jacoby vs. Uran Satybaldiev as UFC fills out its Etihad Arena return.

After a brutal knockout, can Magomed Ankalaev survive Khalil Rountree Jr.'s power in his high-stakes octagon return?

With Alex Pereira gone, will Ankalaev’s return fight define the new era of the light heavyweight division?

Both headliners are coming off knockout losses. Whose career will be resurrected and whose will be derailed in Abu Dhabi?