Why Bogdan Guskov still thinks Magomed Ankalaev is UFC’s best at 205

Bogdan Guskov is stepping up to face Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, accepting the bout on just 14 days' notice after Khalil Rountree withdrew due to injury. Despite Ankalaev's recent loss to Alex Pereira, Guskov remains convinced that the Russian light heavyweight is the division's best fighter and that a victory would catapult him toward a title shot.

Guskov (18-3) believes Ankalaev simply had "a bad night at the office" in his rematch with Pereira, in which the former champion lost his belt by knockout. The 33-year-old Uzbek contender has been on an impressive run—he has finished all 18 of his career wins and recently fought former champ Jan Blachowicz to a draw. Ankalaev (20-2) had been undefeated through 14 consecutive fights since 2018 before falling to Pereira.

With the light heavyweight title currently held by Carlos Ulberg, who is recovering from an injury sustained in his title-winning performance, the division's landscape remains in flux. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that an interim title bout is likely next at 205 pounds. A successful defense against Ankalaev would position Guskov as a legitimate contender and set up his stated goal of fighting for championship gold.