- All 18 of Guskov’s professional victories have come inside the distance, with 13 ending in the first round
- Tickets are available now via Ticketmaster.ae for the July 25 event at Etihad Arena
on Yas Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, July 2026: UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has announced a new light heavyweight main event for UFC® FIGHT NIGHT: ANKALAEV vs GUSKOV, taking place on Saturday, 25 July, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Bogdan Guskov steps into the headline bout after Khalil Rountree Jr. was forced to withdraw due to injury.
Known for his devastating knockout power, No. 10 ranked light heavyweight Bogdan “Hitman” Guskov (18-3-1, fighting out of Uzbekistan) joins on short notice for a blockbuster clash with former UFC light heavyweight champion and No. 1 ranked Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1, fighting out of Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia).
One of the division’s most dangerous finishers, Guskov boasts 18 wins from 18 finishes, including 13 first-round stoppages. Unbeaten in his last five fights, the 33-year-old now heads into his first UFC main event against one of the sport’s elite competitors, with the opportunity to make the biggest statement of his career.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and approximately 363 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while distributing programming to an estimated 1 billion broadcast and digital households across 210 countries and territories. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 75 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
