Bogdan Guskov offers hilarious prediction for ‘big chance’ against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC Abu Dhabi - MMA Fighting

What the report says

MMA Fighting reported that Bogdan Guskov views his short-notice UFC Abu Dhabi main event against Magomed Ankalaev as a major career opening. Guskov had been scheduled to meet Jan Blachowicz in a rematch at UFC Belgrade one week later, but he accepted the Ankalaev bout quickly after the UFC offered it, saying the matchup could alter the direction of his career and that Ankalaev carries a bigger name than Blachowicz.

The fight is set for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night card in Abu Dhabi and marks Guskov’s first UFC main event. According to MMA Fighting, Guskov and Blachowicz fought to a majority draw at UFC 323 in December. Guskov has not lost in his past five appearances since a September 2023 defeat in his UFC debut against Volkan Oezdemir, and he has finished all four of his UFC wins, including victories over Ryan Spann and Nikita Krylov.

Ankalaev enters after losing the light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October, a setback Guskov characterized as an off night. With current champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined after winning the belt against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 327 in April, Guskov suggested a win could put him near an interim title opportunity, though he said he is open to whatever opponent comes next.

Asked for a prediction, Guskov leaned into his reputation for action fights, comparing his bouts to something that sends opponents looking for aspirin and a pillow. The matchup matters because it could reshape the light heavyweight title picture while giving Guskov a chance to move from rising contender to immediate title-relevant name.