Magomed Ankalaev fights Bogdan Guskov in new UFC Abu Dhabi main event with Khalil Rountree out

Magomed Ankalaev will headline UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena against a new opponent after Khalil Rountree withdrew from the main event. The UFC announced that Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1) steps in to face Ankalaev (20-2-1, 1 NC), a significant opportunity for the Polish fighter to break into the top five of the light heavyweight rankings.

Ankalaev, currently ranked No. 3 globally, lost his UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 last October in a rematch. Ankalaev had previously defeated Pereira to claim the belt, but "Poatan" claimed immediate revenge. The setback marked Ankalaev's first loss since his UFC debut in March 2018.

Guskov was originally scheduled to rematch Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade on August 1, though that fight has been shelved again after being postponed once before from UFC 328 due to a Blachowicz injury. Following a majority draw with Blachowicz at UFC 323, the two fighters have twice been booked to settle their score, but both now move forward separately. It remains unclear whether Blachowicz will secure a new opponent for the Belgrade card or be rebooked elsewhere. Rountree's reason for withdrawal was not disclosed.