Magomed Anakalev: Alex Pereira title loss ‘must have been the worst day of my life’ - MMA Fighting

What the report says

MMA Fighting reported that former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev is preparing to return at UFC Abu Dhabi after what he described, through a Russian translator, as possibly the worst day of his life: his championship-losing knockout defeat to Alex Pereira. Ankalaev is scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov in Saturday’s main event, his first bout since Pereira stopped him in 80 seconds at UFC 320 last August.

According to the report, Ankalaev said the loss was difficult because it cost him both the fight and the belt, but he believes the time away has changed him. He said he spent about a month feeling discouraged before resuming training, and now considers himself in exceptional condition. He compared the setback to his earlier UFC loss to Paul Craig, after which he went on a long unbeaten run.

MMA Fighting noted that the Pereira defeat was only Ankalaev’s second career loss and ended a 14-fight unbeaten streak that included his title win over Pereira at UFC 313 in March 2025. That context makes the Abu Dhabi bout an important reset point for Ankalaev as he tries to reestablish himself in the light heavyweight title picture.

Guskov entered the matchup as a short-notice replacement for injured Khalil Rountree Jr. after previously being booked to meet Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade. MMA Fighting reported that Guskov is unbeaten in five fights and is taking his first UFC main event. Ankalaev expressed appreciation that Guskov accepted the fight, saying the replacement helped keep his return intact.