Bogdan Guskov Steps Into Face Magomed Ankalaev in New UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event
The Uzbek contender replaces the injured Khalil Rountree on short notice in the July 25 headliner.
Scheduled to take place on July 25 in Abu Dhabi, UFC Fight Night 282 has a new main event. The promotion has announced that Khalil Rountree was forced to withdraw from his fight against Magomed Ankalaev due to an undisclosed injury and that Bogdan Guskov will step in to replace him on short notice.
Originally scheduled to face Jan Blachowicz in Belgrade on Aug. 1, the Uzbek will now get the biggest opportunity of his career.
Bogdan Guskov with Major Career Test July 25
Things have changed quickly for Guskov. Originally lined up to face Jan Blachowicz in a rematch at UFC Belgrade, the Uzbek fighter is now headlining an event in Abu Dhabi against Ankalaev. Currently ranked No. 10 in the light heavyweight division, this bout could catapult him further into title contention.
As his rematch against Blachowicz will have to be postponed, Guskov gets his first opportunity to headline a UFC event since joining the promotion.
Magomed Ankalaev Looks to Rebound
As for Ankalaev, the Russian looks to bounce back after losing the light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira last October in just his second defeat since signing with the UFC in 2018. The former champion is looking for a convincing performance as he begins his pursuit of the belt once again.
Despite losing his original opponent to injury, Ankalaev remains in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event and will still be facing a striker in Guskov, although one with a very different style from Rountree.
The UFC has not released the extent of Rountree's injury or when the American is expected to return to the Octagon. The promotion also has not announced whether Blachowicz will receive a new opponent for UFC Belgrade. For now, UFC Abu Dhabi moves forward with Ankalaev vs. Guskov as its new main event.
