Guskov says fight with Ankalaev offers career-changing opportunity at UFC Abu Dhabi
UFC light-heavyweight contender Bogdan Guskov views his upcoming bout against Magomed Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi as a pivotal chance to advance his ranking and possibly contend for an interim title.
UFC light-heavyweight fighter Bogdan Guskov will face Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi, a week earlier than a previously scheduled bout with Jan Blachowicz in Belgrade. Guskov, who has won his last four fights after a loss to Volkan Oezdemir in September 2023, said the matchup represents a "big chance" that could change his career and life.
"This chance can change my career, change my life," Guskov told MMA Fighting. "Ankalaev has a bigger name than Jan. I didn’t need to think a lot; I said let’s go."
Ankalaev is returning after losing the light-heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October. Guskov noted that with champion Carlos Ulberg currently injured, a win could position him for an interim-title fight.
The Russian fighter, known as "Hitman," remains unbeaten in his last five outings, including victories over Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov, and said he approaches the fight with confidence, comparing his preparation to taking an aspirin and a pillow.