Magomed Ankalaev, Umar Nurmagomedov get opponents for UFC Abu Dhabi headliners

The UFC announced its Abu Dhabi card for July 25, featuring two significant matchups at the top of the bill. Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev will headline against Khalil Rountree Jr., while top-ranked bantamweights Umar Nurmagomedov and David Martínez meet in the co-main event.

Ankalaev returns to action following his October title loss to Alex Pereira, a devastating defeat that saw him stopped in just 80 seconds. The Russian fighter holds a 21-2-1 professional record and had compiled an impressive 14-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC before facing Pereira—a run that included a decision victory over the same opponent seven months earlier.

Rountree Jr. also looks to bounce back after a loss to former champion Jiri Prochazka on that same October card. The light heavyweight has been competitive at the elite level, winning six of his last eight UFC fights and previously challenging for the title. Both men are seeking to reestablish themselves in a stacked division and climb back toward title contention with a strong performance in Abu Dhabi.