Ankalaev Dominates Guskov to Stake Title Claim
Magomed Ankalaev delivered a statement performance at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, stopping Bogdan Guskov with a fifth-round TKO inside Etihad Arena. The former light heavyweight champion showcased his complete skillset across the five-round main event, wearing down his opponent before securing the finish that likely positions him for another crack at the 205-pound title.
The night’s bonus structure rewarded finishes generously, with Ankalaev collecting an additional $25,000 for his stoppage victory. Every fighter who earned a finish on the card received the same supplement, while four standout performances took home $100,000 each in the traditional post-fight awards.
Bonus Winners Announced After Action-Packed Card
Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune captured Fight of the Night honors for their back-and-forth battle, while Valter Walker and Ramazan Temirov each earned Performance of the Night recognition for their individual showcases. Abdul Hussein, Axel Sola, Sam Patterson, and Muhammad Said joined Ankalaev on the $25,000 finish bonus list, capping off a card that delivered highlight-reel moments across multiple weight classes.
UFC’s return to the United Arab Emirates lived up to expectations with a steady stream of decisive outcomes. From the main event to the prelims, Etihad Arena witnessed a night where finishes outnumbered decisions, giving the Abu Dhabi crowd plenty to celebrate as the promotion continues its global expansion.