Ankalaev gets new opponent after Rountree injury

Bogdan Guskov steps in on short notice to headline UFC Abu Dhabi against the former champion.

The original fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr. has taken a slight turn. Due to an injury sustained by Khalil Rountree Jr., he unfortunately had to withdraw from the fight. As a result, a new opponent was actively sought who could face Magomed Ankalaev that evening. That opponent has now been found. Bogdan Guskov will now be the new opponent for Magomed Ankalaev.

Bogdan Guskov was originally scheduled to fight Jan Błachowicz on August 1. However, that fight has now been removed from the card so that Bogdan Guskov can face Magomed Ankalaev.

When this was announced, Jan Błachowicz issued a statement explaining that he had actually been the first choice as a replacement opponent for Magomed Ankalaev, but he was concerned he wouldn’t be able to make weight.

"A quick update about my upcoming bout. UFC offered me to fight Ankalaev first. I wasn’t sure if I’m gonna make the weight. After a couple of hours I confirmed the fight without any catchweight but it was a done deal with Guskov."

he wrote.

For Bogdan Guskov, this has obviously worked out perfectly, as he now has the chance to move up from No. 10 to the top 5 in the weight class.

Magomed Ankalaev, on the other hand, is currently ranked No. 1 in the global MMA rankings after losing the UFC light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira last October. So for him, it’s about earning another shot for the title. We’ll see to what extent he succeeds, or whether Bogdan Guskov celebrates a major victory.

This event has taken a very complicated turn. But I think a good solution was found in the end. For Bogdan Guskov, a huge opportunity has now presented itself, one he will certainly want to take advantage of. I’m very curious to see how the fight plays out in the end, and whether or not we’ll have an unexpected winner.