UFC Sends 26 Fighters to Ceremonial Weigh-Ins Ahead of July 25 Abu Dhabi Card

Q: Can the first Uzbek UFC headliner maintain his flawless finish rate and steal a title shot in Abu Dhabi?

Yes—but only if Bogdan Guskov does what he has always done: finish fast against a far more proven opponent. The Uzbek contender arrives in Abu Dhabi with an 18-3-1 record and 18 stoppage wins, making his finish rate perfect. He also enters on a strong run in the UFC, with all four of his octagon victories ending inside the distance. That power, plus the symbolism of becoming the first Uzbek fighter to headline a UFC event, gives him a real chance to create a breakthrough moment. The problem is the matchup. Magomed Ankalaev is not just another ranked opponent; he is a former light heavyweight champion, the division’s No. 2 contender, and a fighter with deep five-round experience. He is also a sizable betting favorite, reflecting both his technical edge and his consistency. Guskov accepted this fight on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew, which adds another layer of difficulty against a composed, elite-level counterstriker. If Guskov wins emphatically, especially by knockout or submission, he could absolutely force himself into the title conversation. The timing helps him: he is replacing into a headliner in Abu Dhabi, a major international showcase, and he has openly framed the fight as life-changing. A stoppage over Ankalaev would be the biggest result of his career and likely outweigh his lower ranking. Still, the path is narrow. To steal a title shot, Guskov probably needs more than a decision—he needs the kind of dramatic finish that has defined his career.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jul 24

Twenty-six fighters returned to the stage for UFC Abu Dhabi ceremonial weigh-ins, the final public event before Saturday’s Ankalaev vs. Guskov card at Etihad Arena.
The promotion had already completed official early weigh-ins, leaving the ceremonial faceoffs to confirm the lineup for the Paramount+ event on July 25.
Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov squared off in the main-event staredown, while Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov did the same for the co-main.
Ankalaev used fight-week media to frame the bout as part of his rebound from losing to Alex Pereira, saying the defeat sharpened his motivation to win the belt back.