The UFC returned to Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi with an action-packed Fight Night headlined by a light heavyweight clash between former champion Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov. Ankalaev weathered a tough challenge before earning a late stoppage victory, while several rising contenders made major statements throughout the card.
Main Card Results
Magomed Ankalaev def. Bogdan Guskov via TKO (Round 5, 2:41) – Light Heavyweight Main Event
Ramazan Temirov def. Steve Erceg via TKO (Round 1, 4:21)
Flyweight
Magomed Zaynukov def. Damian Rzepecki via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Rizvan Kuniev def. Tyrell Fortune via TKO (Round 3)
Abubakar Vagaev def. Saygid Izagakhmaev via Unanimous Decision
Preliminary Card Highlights
Valter Walker submitted Thomas Petersen with a spectacular calf slicer in just 1:32 of Round 1.
Sam Patterson stopped Santiago Ponzinibbio via second-round TKO in one of the night’s biggest upsets.
Muhammad Saidov, Axel Sola, and Abdul Hussein all earned impressive finish victories.
The scheduled bout between Islam Dulatov and Wellington Turman was canceled due to illness affecting Dulatov.
Bonus Winners
Performance of the Night: Valter Walker and Ramazan Temirov
Fight of the Night: Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune
Additional finish bonuses were awarded to Abdul Hussein, Axel Sola, Sam Patterson, Muhammad Saidov, and Magomed Ankalaev.
Final Take
Ankalaev’s fifth-round TKO reestablished him as one of the UFC’s top light heavyweights and strengthened his case for another title opportunity. The event also showcased emerging talent, with standout performances from Temirov, Walker, and Patterson making headlines in Abu Dhabi.
