On To the Next One: Matches to make after UFC Abu Dhabi

Following UFC Abu Dhabi, MMA Fighting's Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee examine potential next opponents for several fighters from the event in the latest edition of their matchmaking podcast, On To the Next One.

Magomed Ankalaev secured a fifth-round stoppage victory over Guskov in the main event, but his performance failed to generate widespread enthusiasm from the MMA community despite his credentials as a former light heavyweight champion. With current titleholder Carlos Ulberg sidelined by injury and expected to return in the first half of 2027, the question looms whether Ankalaev will earn the first crack at the belt or must fight again before earning a title shot.

Beyond Ankalaev, the hosts dissect the trajectory of co-main event winner Ramazan Temirov, who delivered a devastating first-round finish against Steve Erceg. They also explore future matchups for other Abu Dhabi main card victors including Magomed Zaynukov, Rizvan Kuniev, and Abubakar Vagaev, weighing the best paths forward for each fighter in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.

The episode concludes with the hosts fielding audience suggestions for potential pairings. Audio versions are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other major podcast platforms.