This can be a stay weblog of the sunshine heavyweight most important occasion of the UFC Abu Dhabi card, Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov, which takes place Saturday on the Etihad Enviornment in Abu Dhabi.
Ankalaev (20-2-1, No. 1 North Carolina) simply misplaced his UFC title in a heartbreaking rematch with rival Alex Pereira, his first loss since 2018. The outcome drops Ankarev to No. 3 on the earth MMA combating rankings (following Pereira’s transfer to heavyweight and Carlos Wolberg profitable the vacant 205-pound title). seventeenth within the pound-for-pound rankings.
Previous to his setback at UFC 320, Ankalaev was on a 14-fight unbeaten streak and captured the sunshine heavyweight championship with key wins over Pereira, Aleksandar Rakic, Anthony Smith, Volkan Oezdemir and several other different high contenders. Nevertheless, given how lengthy it took for Ankalaev to be thought of as a severe candidate, it might be some time earlier than he qualifies for gold once more.
If Ankalaev can’t defeat Guskov (18-3-1), his title hopes will all however finish. Guskov was scheduled to have a rematch with Jan Blachowicz subsequent Saturday at UFC Belgrade, however was pressured to fill in for the injured Khalil Rountree Jr. Guskov, at present ranked twelfth within the gentle heavyweight division within the MMA Preventing Rankings, may shake up his spot within the division’s high 5 with Saturday’s upset.
Watch the Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov stay weblog beneath.
This card began out fairly poor, however issues got here to life alongside the way in which. Ramazan Temirov is a scary man. He then insists on becoming a member of the Methu Foster Household of Fighters.
Now, on to the principle occasion. I do not assume it would take that lengthy.
I want to say this about Bogdan Guskov. People are assured. He appears fully unfazed by the second or alternative in entrance of him.
Neither does Ankalaev, however all the things he stated throughout combat week suggests in any other case to me. I feel he is a little bit of a bizarre man. Nevertheless it’s an excellent fighter.
On paper, they’re nearly similar. However that is not the case, as Ankalaev is a -550 betting favourite.
When Guskov is introduced, we politely applaud. Ankalaev will get even louder cheers, however they cannot be known as loud. The 2 meet to obtain ultimate directions and contact gloves. Now it is time!
Ankalaev is a southpaw, whereas Guskov is an orthodox fighter, and the battle for place within the early levels is wanting promising. Guskov checks vary with a light-weight tapping calf kick. The battle for the lead hand continues as Guskov continues to aim down parries. Ankalaev is making an attempt to time his first calf kick with a counter left hand. Nothing of substance is de facto tried by both character.
Ankalaev hits a tee to the physique. Guskov goes up high with a swap kick. There isn’t a pleasure both means. Now, with Ankalaev placing strain again on Guskov, enterprise is wanting up. They each flip up the warmth a little bit extra, however they catch the arm. Guslov tries to change stances and so does Ankalaev. Anklaev is nice at outdoors kicks.
There simply hasn’t been a lot taking place but. Each gamers took their time and made feints. Ankalaev steps in with a left hand and breaks via, however it’s all one shot. Guskov is a little bit frozen. Or simply ready for his second. He then goes for a swap kick however it’s blocked. Ankalaev will get excessive. Then 1-2. Ankalaev’s vary permits him to steer the motion, which isn’t enjoyable to look at. Guskov tries for a roundhouse kick close to the tip of the spherical however misses.
MMA Preventing: Ankalaev received the spherical 10-9.
