Magomed Anakalev: Alex Pereira title loss ‘must have been the worst day of my life’

Magomed Ankalaev is ready to move forward after one of the most difficult stretches of his career. The former UFC light heavyweight champion lost his belt to Alex Pereira in an 80-second knockout at UFC 320 in August 2025, ending a remarkable 14-fight unbeaten run that had included a championship victory over Pereira just months earlier at UFC 313. Now Ankalaev returns to action in 2026 at UFC Abu Dhabi, facing short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov in the event's main event.

Reflecting on the loss to "Poatan," Ankalaev called it "the worst day of my life"—a brutal finish that cost him both the fight and the belt. The setback marks only the second defeat of his professional career, and one that forced him to step back mentally before resuming his training regimen. After allowing himself roughly a month to process the outcome, Ankalaev returned to the gym determined to recalibrate and rebuild.

"I think we're going to see this again," Ankalaev said, drawing a parallel to his comeback following an earlier UFC loss to Paul Craig. He believes adversity serves a purpose, humbling him before the next ascent. The fighter claims to be in the best shape of his life as he prepares for Guskov, who stepped in on short notice after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew due to injury. Guskov had been scheduled to face Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade but accepted the opportunity to headline the Abu Dhabi card on the back of a five-fight unbeaten streak, including a majority draw against the former champ at UFC 323 in December.

Ankalaev expressed gratitude toward Guskov for accepting the fight when other potential opponents declined, calling him "a great dude" for stepping up on short notice.