Magomed Ankalaev has a brand new opponent in his headline bout at UFC Abu Dhabi.
The UFC introduced Monday that Ankalaev (20-2-1, No. 1 in North Carolina) is scheduled to struggle Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1), who will change Khalil Rountree, within the July 25 fundamental occasion at Etihad Area. The explanation for Rountree’s absence was not disclosed, however Ankalaev mentioned Rountree was absent as a consequence of damage.
Guskov was beforehand scheduled to have a rematch with Jan Blachović at UFC Belgrade on August 1st, however that struggle was once more taken off the schedule because it was beforehand postponed from UFC 328 as a consequence of Blachović’s damage.
Following Monday’s announcement, Blachowicz issued a press release claiming that he was the primary selection to switch Rountree, however Guskov was chosen as an alternative as a result of he believed he wouldn’t be capable of meet the sunshine heavyweight restrict. He’s nonetheless aiming to stay on the UFC Belgrade card.
A fast replace about my upcoming matches.
The UFC provided me to struggle Ankalaev first. I did not know if I’d be capable of achieve weight. Just a few hours later, the match was confirmed and not using a catchweight, however the cope with Guskov was accomplished. So now I am ready for a brand new opponent for struggle night time (UFC Belgrade).
Ankalaev is presently No. 3 on the planet MMA preventing rankings after regaining the UFC mild heavyweight title from Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October of this yr. It was Ankalaev who ended Pereira’s reign as 205-pound champion, however “Poitan” obtained his revenge in a rematch shortly after. It was Ankalaev’s first loss since his UFC debut in March 2018.
The brand new UFC Abu Dhabi headliner provides Guskov (No. 12) an opportunity to maneuver into the highest 5 of the rankings with a win. After dealing with Blachowicz at UFC 323, which led to a majority draw, the 2 have been booked twice to settle, however for now each males have moved on to new matches.
