Valter Walker says Bogdan Guskov is destined to become UFC champion

Valter Walker is backing his Gor MMA teammate Bogdan Guskov to pull off a stunning upset against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. Guskov accepted the short-notice matchup with just 14 days to prepare after Khalil Rountree withdrew due to injury. Despite entering as a massive betting underdog at -500, Walker expressed unwavering confidence in his training partner's capabilities. "Bogdan is certainly a talent," Walker told Red Corner MMA. "He's simply a machine. I think there's a great chance that he will shock the world." Walker predicted Guskov will knock out the former light heavyweight champion in the second round and believes his teammate is destined to become the first UFC champion from their gym. Guskov (18-3) enters on a five-fight unbeaten streak since his UFC debut submission loss in 2023. The Uzbek light heavyweight has recorded four straight finishes and most recently fought Jan Blachowicz to a majority draw in December. Ankalaev (20-2), meanwhile, suffered back-to-back defeats in his last two UFC outings, losing his title to Alex Pereira and previously being finished in his promotional debut in 2018. Walker himself is competing on the same card, facing heavyweight Thomas Petersen (11-4). Walker (15-1), known as "The Foot Hunter," has finished his last four opponents via heel hook since a UFC debut loss in 2024.