Ankalaev returns to UFC after title loss to Pereira, faces Bogdan Guskov in Abu Dhabi
Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev will fight Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi, marking his first bout since an 80-second knockout loss to Alex Pereira, which he described as the worst day of his life.
Magomed Ankalaev is set to make his UFC return on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, where he will face short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov in the event’s headliner. The bout will be Ankalaev’s first since losing his light-heavyweight title to Alex Pereira by knockout in 80 seconds at UFC 320 in August.
"It must have been the worst day of my life, I could say," Ankalaev told MMA Fighting through a Russian translator, adding that the defeat ended a 14-fight unbeaten streak and was only the second loss of his career.
He said the loss prompted a brief period of self-doubt, but after about a month he returned to training and believes he is now in the best shape of his life. Ankalaev noted that his earlier UFC loss to Paul Craig also served as a catalyst for improvement, and he expects a similar rebound this time.
Guskov, who stepped in after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew, previously fought Ankalaev to a majority draw at UFC 323 and enters the match on a five-fight unbeaten run. Ankalaev expressed gratitude for Guskov’s willingness to step up, saying the Russian fighter “saved the fight for me.”