Former Champion Delivers Statement Win at Etihad Arena
The UFC Abu Dhabi results are in, and the main event delivered exactly the comeback fans were hoping for.
Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by TKO in the fifth round at Etihad Arena on Saturday night, marking his first win since losing the title last year. Ankalaev struggled early against a cautious Guskov, who avoided engaging for much of the fight.
Everything changed in the fourth round, when Ankalaev took the fight to the mat and wore his opponent down with heavy ground control. By the fifth round, Guskov had little left to offer, and referee Marc Goddard stepped in to end the contest.
The card also featured strong performances lower down the lineup, including a first-round knockout from Ramazan Temirov and a submission win for Valter Walker, his fifth in a row by that method.
This marked the promotion’s 23rd visit to Abu Dhabi, continuing a partnership that stretches back to 2010. UFC officials have also confirmed that UFC 333 will return to Abu Dhabi in October, giving fight fans in the UAE another major event to look forward to later this year.
