UFC Abu Dhabi Staff Picks: Former Champion Returns
UFC Abu Dhabi happens tomorrow. Who did our staff choose this time?
At the Etihad Arena, UFC Abu Dhabi prepares to deliver a thrilling, action-packed card, with former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev gearing up to square off with surging contender Bogdan Guskov. In the co-main event, the flyweights take center stage, as Steve Erceg aims to quell the rise of Ramazan Temirov.
UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event
Making his first-post championship reign appearance since dropping his belt in a rematch with Alex Pereira last year at UFC 320, Ankalaev is seeking a path towards redemption in the Middle East this weekend. Boasting some of the best striking and grappling in the weight class, the Dagestani wants nothing more than to prove he still belongs in the title picture.
Enjoying a five-fight unbeaten streak, Guskov has emerged as a standout fighter in the light heavyweight division over the past two years. When previously scheduled headlining athlete Khalil Rountree Jr. had to pull out of the card due to injury, it was “Czarevitch” who accepted the call with no hesitation. Now in a pivotal matchup with possible title implications on the line, the Uzbek sets out to make a statement to the rest of the division.
UFC Abu Dhabi Co-Main Event
Rebuilding himself from the ground up following a failed championship bid against Alexandre Pantoja and a further pair of subsequent losses,Erceg is now back on track as a legitimate contender in his weight category. Still determined to have company gold wrapped around his waist, “Astroboy” is looking to continue his ascension up the ladder at 125-lb.
Coming off a 16-month lay off, Temirov is back in action following a major triumph over Charles Johnson at UFC Vegas 103. Knocking on the front door of the rankings, “Temurlan” can be counted among the preeminent flyweights on planet Earth should he manage to make it past the elite Erceg.
More Bouts On the UFC Abu Dhabi Main Card
Rounding out the main card, Islam Dulatov meets Wellington Turman. Then, Magomed Zaynukov faces off with Damian Rzepecki. Also, Rizvan Kuniev locks horns with Tyrell Fortune. Finally, Abubakar Vagaev comes to blows with Saygid Izagakhmaev.
UFC Abu Dhabi Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: theUltimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
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UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
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PFL picks from main cards for both pay-per-views and regular events.
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ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.
Find our UFC Abu Dhabi picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Oklahoma City:
1. Hank Strandberg: 117-53
2. Frazer Krohn: 93-72
3. Drew Zuhosky: 87-86
4. Andrew Benjamin: 18-18
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Abubakar Vagaev -235
Vs.
Saygid Izagakhmaev +200
WELTERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Vagaev by Second-Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Fortune by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Fortune by Second-Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Kuniev by First-Round Submission
Staff picking Vagaev: 2
Staff picking Izagakhmaev: 2
Rizvan Kuniev -335
Vs.
Tyrell Fortune +275
HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Kuniev by Second-Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Fortune by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Fortune by Second-Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Kuniev by First Round Submission
Staff picking Kuniev: 2
Staff picking Fortune: 2
Magomed Zaynukov -275
Vs.
Damian Rzepecki +235
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Zaynukov by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Rzepecki by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Zaynukov by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Zaynukov by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Zaynukov: 3
Staff picking Ricci: 1
Islam Dulatov -1000
Vs.
Wellington Turman +675
WELTERWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Dulatov by First-Round Knockout;
Drew Zuhosky: Turman by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Turman by First-Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Dulatov by First-Round Knockout
Staff picking Dulatov: 2
Staff picking Turman: 2
Ramazan Temurov -124
Vs.
Steve Erceg +104
FLYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Erceg by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Erceg by Second-Round Submission
Frazer Kron: Erceg by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Temurov by Second-Round Knockout
Staff picking Erceg: 3
Staff picking Temurov: 1
Magomed Ankalaev -600
Vs.
Bogdan Guskov +425
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Ankalaev by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Guskov by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Ankalaev by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Ankalaev by Split Decision
Staff picking Ankalaev: 3
Staff picking Guskov: 1
