"An Unmissable Chance to Change Your Life": Ranking No. 1 Accepts 'Surprise Showdown'... Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov 'Clash of Titans'

*This content was translated by AI.

Former UFC Light Heavyweight (93kg) champion Magomed Ankalaev (34, Russia) returns to the octagon after nine months.

Ranking No. 1 in the light heavyweight division, Ankalaev will face Ranking No. 9 Bogdan Guskov (33, Uzbekistan) in the main event of 'UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov' on the 26th (Korean time) at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The bout was originally scheduled between Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr., but Guskov stepped in as a replacement after Rountree withdrew due to injury two weeks before the fight.

Ankalaev aims to reclaim the title with this fight. With a professional record of 20 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses, and 1 no contest, Ankalaev lost his championship title via TKO at UFC 320 last October after suffering punches and elbows from Alex Pereira. Ahead of his return, Ankalaev stated, "After a defeat, some people either don't come back for a while or return changed," adding, "For me, the loss was an experience that led to growth, and I have returned stronger."

He continued, "Losing the title was my mistake. It has motivated me to regain it in this comeback fight. I am 100% confident that I will reclaim the title," he vowed.

Guskov, who suddenly found himself facing the ranking No. 1 contender, is equally determined. Originally scheduled to rematch Yana Blahovich at next week's event in Belgrade, Serbia, Guskov immediately seized the opportunity when Rountree Jr.'s injury withdrawal created a vacancy two weeks before the fight. "The match against Magomed is like a major test for me," Guskov said. "If I win this fight, I will become the No. 1 contender to challenge for the title. This is an opportunity that could change my life."

Ankalaev is a fighter with expertise in both striking and grappling, hailing from a Sambo championship background. He won gold medals in the light heavyweight division at the Combat Sambo World Championships in 2015 and 2016 and currently holds 10 career knockout or TKO victories. In contrast, Guskov has trained in boxing and kickboxing since childhood. Among his 18 professional wins, 15 have come by KO or TKO, boasting a 100% finish rate.

However, Ankalaev shows little concern over Guskov's overwhelming finish record. Regarding Guskov's finish rate, Ankalaev dismissed it, saying, "I'm not worried. In the UFC, there are only four finishes, and that has no impact on me."

Conversely, Guskov acknowledges Ankalaev as the top fighter in the light heavyweight division and remains vigilant. "Ankalaev is on a completely different level," Guskov said. "He stands at the pinnacle of our weight class, so I must bring my best performance. He is extremely dangerous, powerful, and difficult to face. You can't just think he'll go down with one punch."

Meanwhile, as of the 24th, overseas bookmakers are predicting an 80-20 win probability, heavily favoring former champion Ankalaev.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.