Profitable decision in Abu Dhabi main

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 24, 2026

The UFC will host an event in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, featuring primarily Eastern European and Middle Eastern fighters, with Magomed Ankalaev headlining against Bogdan Guskov. Oddsmakers predict a high number of early fight finishes, highlighting the card’s potential for exciting and competitive bouts across multiple weight classes.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to hold an event in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, featuring a lineup that includes fighters primarily from Eastern Europe and the Middle East. The card, which begins early in the United States with preliminary bouts at 9 a.m. Eastern Time and the main card at noon, is expected to produce a high rate of finishes, with oddsmakers forecasting nine of the 12 fights to end before the scheduled distance.

The main event features former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev facing Bogdan Guskov. Ankalaev has demonstrated considerable skill but has experienced setbacks due to some questionable decisions in previous bouts. Guskov, known for his powerful striking, steps into the fight on short notice after being initially slated to face Jan Blachowicz. Although Guskov’s power makes him a potential knockout threat, experts suggest Ankalaev’s wrestling and higher volume striking will give him the edge. The prediction favors Ankalaev to secure a decision victory, with Guskov expected to remain competitive without being finished.

Another notable bout on the card pits Steve Erceg against Ramazan Temirov. Erceg, coming off a win against Tim Elliott in May, is taking this fight on a short turnaround, having recently absorbed a significant number of strikes in his last 15-minute fight. Temirov is returning after a yearlong suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, which some analysts view as a chance for him to compete in top form regardless of the suspension. Given Erceg’s quick return and potential fatigue, Temirov is favored to improve his UFC record to 3-0 with a victory by knockout, technical knockout, or decision.

Other matchups include Islam Dulatov against Wellington Turman, with Dulatov favored to win in the opening round. Magomed Zaynutkov is predicted to secure a submission victory over Damian Rzepecki, while Rizvan Kuniev is favored to win against Tyrell Fortune beyond the first one and a half rounds. Abubakar Vagaev is expected to prevail over Saygid Izagakhmaev, and early rounds are anticipated in bouts featuring Valter Walker versus Thomas Petersen and Magomed Tuchalov against Brendson Ribeiro.

Additional fights on the card feature Dustin Jacoby versus Muhammad Saidov, Santiago Ponzinibbio facing Sam Patterson, Ismael Bonfim taking on Axel Sola, Nurullo Aliev versus Mike Davis, and Cody Gibson competing against Abdul Hussein. Several of these contests carry odds favoring early finishes or decision outcomes, highlighting the variety of styles and potential results in the Abu Dhabi event.

Overall, the UFC’s Abu Dhabi card will provide a platform for fighters from the region and beyond, with odds underscoring a strong likelihood of early stoppages and competitive matchups throughout the day.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.