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411’s UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov Review 7.25.26

July 25, 2026 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC Fight Night Ankalaev vs Guskov Image Credit: UFC

MAIN CARD (noon ET)
#1 Magomed Ankalaev (205.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Bogdan Guskov (205.5 lbs.)
#10 Steve Erceg (126 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Temirov (126 lbs.)
Islam Dulatov (171 lbs.) vs. Wellington Turman (170 lbs.)
Magomed Zaynukov (155.5 lbs.) vs. Damian Rzepecki (155.5 lbs.)
#8 Rizvan Kuniev (265.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Tyrell Fortune (258 lbs.)
Abubakar Vagaev (171 lbs.) vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev (171 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (9 a.m. ET)
#13 Valter Walker (248 lbs.) vs. Thomas Petersen (245 lbs.)
Dustin Jacoby (205 lbs.) vs. Muhammad Saidov (206 lbs.)
Santiago Ponzinibbio (171 lbs.) vs. Sam Patterson (170.5 lbs.)
Ismael Bonfim (155.5 lbs.) vs. Axel Sola (155.5 lbs.)
Magomed Tuchalov (205.5 lbs.) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (206 lbs.)
Nurullo Aliev (156 lbs.) vs. Mike Davis (156 lbs.)
Cody Gibson (136 lbs.) vs. Abdul Hussein (135.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. The UFC is back in the UAE for this one and they’ve brought a very up and down card. There’s a lot of debutantes here and a lot of the usual suspects for middle eastern cards. The main event was to be Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree, but Rountree fell out and now Bogdan Guskov steps in to fill that half of the fight. Given how bad light heavyweight is right now it’s still a relevant fight but it’s hard to muster up too much enthusiasm on paper for it. Ramazan Temirov ends a bit of a layoff against ranked Steve Erceg in a relevant flyweight fight, Islam Dulavot is getting a squash match against Wellington Turman, and Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune will feature a lot of hugging against the fence. On the more optimistic side of things Valter Walker might collect another heel hook, Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola is a good fight, as is Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis. Mostly though we’re hoping the action over delivers because on paper this is only marginally better than a Contender Series event that just has a lot of fights on it.

UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov comes to the world from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. We’ve got John Gooden, Daniel Cormier, and Laura Sanko on commentary with Justin Bernard handling announcements and Charly Arnolt as our roving reporter. We’re in the usual 30 foot cage, and I think we’ll be under the newer rules but I’ll update things if any little quirks come to light.

We open to news that Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman is off due to a medical issue with Dulatov.

Abdul Hussein brings an eight fight winning streak into his UFC debut, now he’s trying to make the most of his chance at a first impression. Cody Gibson is replacing Muin Gafurov on moderately short notice, he’s also on a two fight losing streak while going 2-4 since returning to the UFC back in 2023. Gibson really needs a win here to prove he’s still a worthwhile addition to the roster. Given the late replacement it’s not surprising to see Hussein as a hefty -575 favorite to Gibson’s +425.

Bantamweight Bout: Cody Gibson (21-12, 136 lbs.) vs. Abdul Hussein (15-2, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Gibson is three inches taller with four inches of reach advantage, he’s also a full decade older. They touch gloves, wow the cage doesn’t look quite as littered with advertisements as usual. Long rage kicks and punches from Gibson early. Hussein looks to pressure forward, Gibson lands a one two. Double leg from Gibson, Hussein tries to wrestle up but Gibson catches him in a guillotine and rolls to mount with it. Gibson switches to an anaconda choke but loses it and switches to a ninja choke. Hussein is able to spin out of that and get on top in north-south. Now it’s Gibson who wrestles up, Hussein grabs a front headlock then moves to the ride. Gibson rolls for a leg and both men wrestle up into a clinch. A few knees go back and forth as Gibson pushes Hussein to the fence then they break. A few jabs go back and forth. Both men are doing stance switching now. Uppercut from Hussein, Gibson responds with an uppercut. Elbow from Hussein in close. Both men land punches in close, the activity has been pretty high if nothing else. Knee and right hand from Gibson. High kick from Hussein his mostly blocked. Hussein lands an elbow in close then pushes to a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gibson

ROUND TWO: Hussein catches a kick and drops Gibson with a right hand. Hussein gets on top and starts throwing punches, he moves towards full mount but Gibson blocks that. Gibson tries to wrestle up but Hussein uses a front headlock to push him back over and get on top in side control. Gibson is able to wrestle around and get half guard. Hussein punches the body a few times then passes to side control again. Hussein looks for a d’arce choke, he’s got the grip locked up but the angle isn’t great and he bails on it to keep top position. Gibson tries to scramble but Hussein moves to mount. Anaconda choke attack from Hussein, this one is pretty right but again he bails on it to keep half guard. A few punches from Hussein land. Gibson avoids a few submission attacks then gets full guard in play. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Hussein, borderline 10-8, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Hussein gets on pressure right away and looks to land punches. Inside leg kick from Gibson, then Hussein lands a jab. Some body shots from Gibson in close then Hussein lands a knee. Uppercuts from Hussein and a knee, Gibson is just sitting on the fence covering up. Nice little foot sweep from Gibson then he tries a front headlock but Hussein pulls free and gets Gibson down into half guard. Some short elbows from Hussein as he moves to the ride position. Gibson tries to roll for a leg but Hussein smothers him and stays on top in side control. Hussein to a mounted crucifix briefly but Gibson wrestles around to his knees. Hussein with a knee to the body, Gibson wall walks but Hussein takes him back down. Gibson tries to get his guard in play, Hussein then attacks an arm triangle, Gibson has half guard but it’s on the wrong side to help him and after a bit Gibson taps out.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abdul Hussein via Submission, arm triangle choke, at 3:07 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hussein for his work. Mic time for Hussein, he knew Gibson took this on short notice so he could keep the pace high and get him to fall apart late. He talks us through the finish then says he’s the only fighter from Finland in the UFC right now and had to represent.

The finish can be found HERE.

Nurullo Aliev is undefeated including three UFC wins, he missed all of 2024 but is looking to stay a bit more active now and another win would fully solidify him as a bright prospect. Mike Davis has gone 5-2 in the UFC with his only losses coming to Gilbert Burns and Fares Ziam, he’s been out of action for a little over a year though and now looks to begin moving from prospect to contender with another win here. The odds like Aliev at -210 while +175 on Davis might be a solid little value bet.

Lightweight Bout: Nurullo Aliev (11-0, 156 lbs.) vs. Mike Davis (12-3, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Davis is two inches taller with half an inch of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Immediate takedown from Aliev, that hits the fence but Aliev gets Davis down to a knee. A few short elbows from Aliev land as he holds a single leg then swings Davis down and gets on top. Davis quickly wrestles up into a clinch. Some short uppercuts from Aliev, he could try cranking a Mir lock on the right arm of Davis but doesn’t go for it. Level change and double leg from Aliev and he gets on top. Davis works to wall walk right away, Aliev slips towards the ride position and lands a few knees to the leg. Davis winds up moving to his back then pushing Aliev away and wrestling again but again Aliev gets to the ride. Some knees to the leg again from Aliev as Davis bases up then granby rolls, but Aliev keeps contact and hits another takedown into butterfly guard. Davis fires elbows from his back, Aliev punches him back then Davis wrestles upright and jumps to the back of Aliev with a nice transition. Aliev wrestles around to get on top in the guard of Davis. Davis tries a triangle choke, Aliev postures to avoid the danger and drops a few hammer gists. Davis tries the traingle again but his legs are backwards from proper position and that’ll end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aliev but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Right hand from Aliev. Aliev with some stance switching, he tries a double leg and is able to get Davis down but Davis grabs a triangle armbar on the way down. Aliev is able to slip out of danger and get to side control. Davis is able to shrimp to half guard. Some lefts from Aliev. Davis gets full guard and scoots to the fence. Aliev moves to the back as Davis wall walks. Some lefts from Aliev land. Davis tries to roll but Aliev keeps punching him as he keeps top position. Davis is able to wrestle upright and both men land punches. Combination from Aliev into a clinch on the fence. Single leg from Aliev and he gets on top in full guard again. Some more punches from Aliev as he gets to the ride. Aliev lands more punches as Davis wall walks into a clinch. They break and trade lefts to end the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aliev, 20-18 Aliev overall

ROUND THREE: Davis shows kicks to start the round. Calf kick from Davis. Jab from Aliev then Davis lands a front kick. Single leg from Aliev and he gets Davis down in open space. Davis gets full guard and fires some elbows from his back. Aliev lands a couple of punches and passes to half guard. Davis wrestles up but eats a knee then Aliev double legs him again. Some punches from Aliev as he keeps Davis pinned against the fence. Davis gets to his knees, Aliev moves to the back. Aliev could knee Davis in the head as Davis doesn’t have a knee down but he chooses not to. Some stomps to the calf and ankle from Aliev, that’s just mean. Davis wall walks to his feet and tries to roll but Aliev wrestles with him and keeps him pinned on the fence. Knee from Davis lands and Aliev breaks the clinch. Davis walks forward and fights off a double leg then pushes Aliev over to get on top in full guard but only 10 seconds left. Aliev throws up an armbar, that gets close but the round ends and likely another few seconds might have meant he got the submission.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Aliev, 30-27 Aliev overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Nurullo Aliev via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

No interview for Aliev.

Brendson Ribeiro has gone 2-5 with a No contest in the UFC, he’s currently on a three fight losing streak and could very well be fighting for his job here. Magomed Tuchalov is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, and while Ribeiro doesn’t represent the stiffest possible test he does represent an opportunity to make a great first impression on the UFC audience. Tuchalov is among the bigger favorites on the card at -850 to a +575 comeback on Ribeiro.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Tuchalov (6-0, 205.5 lbs.) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (17-10 1 NC, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Ribeiro has two and a half inches of reach advantage. Both men probe with some long range weapons, just range finding right now. Tuchalov lands a calf kick. Ribeiro with a calf kick of his own. Another calf kick from Tuchalov. Bit of a calf kick from Tuchalov. Ribeiro is trying to keep on the pressure. Both men miss some punches. Tuchalov starts moving forward now but not much comes of it. Ribeiro resumes walking Tuchalov towards the fence. Both men miss punches again. Tuchalov lands a jab. Bit of a calf kick from Tuchalov. Double jab then a right hand from Ribeiro. Right hand from Tuchalov, then tries a flying knee but Ribeiro cracks him with a right hand. Tuchalov is cut from that and Ribeiro swings a right hand as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ribeiro

ROUND TWO: Both men show leg kicks as the round starts, Tuchalov’s cut under the left eye isn’t much of a cut and is more of a bruise but it’s swelling up. Body kick from Tuchalov then a calf kick. Ribeiro is still moving forward, he avoids a takedown attempt. They both miss rights then Ribeiro extends the combination and lands a right hand. Both men land inside leg kicks. Bit of a right from Ribeiro in close. Tuchalov tries to get his jab going then lands a calf kick. Right hand from Tuchalov wobbles Ribeiro, he then gets to the back standing and hits a mat return. Ribeiro looks to wall walk, Tuchalov can’t keep him down and they break but both men shove and Ribeiro takes a finger to the eye. Ribeiro only takes 30 seconds then we’re back to fighting, of course no point deduction. Glancing right hand from Ribeiro as he gets back to pressuring forward. Tuchalov jabs the body then lands a right hand. Tuchalov keeps looking to follow up punches with a jumping knee, it’s a bad habit and isn’t serving him at all this fight. One two from Tuchalov. Right hand from Tuchalov and he takes Ribeiro down, Tuchalov then stands over Ribeiro and lands leg kicks as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tuchalov, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Ribeiro gets back to pressuring forward. Bit of a right hand from Tuchalov. Tuchalov with a left high kick that partially lands. Ribeiro with a left hook but Tuchalov then hits a double leg into full guard. Tuchalov stands over Ribeiro and lands a few leg kicks before the ref makes Ribeiro stand. Glancing right hand from Ribeiro. Ribeiro tries a takedown, Tuchalov defends then hits an outside Polish throw to get on top in side control. Tuchalov to the ride position and lands a punch, Ribeiro stands with Tuchalov on his back. Some mat returns from Tuchalov, he holds the ride position and lands a few short punches. Ribeiro wall walks, he tries a kimura roll but Tuchalov is hip to that and just gets on top in side control. Short elbow from Tuchalov as he moves to the ride again. Ribeiro thinks about the kimura attack again, that’s not helping him though. Ribeiro is able to get upright but Tuchalov just drags him back down. Now Ribeiro tries to roll for a leg, Tuchalov with some punches from top position then an arm triangle attack but he bails on it as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tuchalov, 29-28 Tuchalov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Tuchalov via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Tuchalov gets an interview along with the translator, not sure why Aliev didn’t get one, he thinks the fight was tough and puts over Ribeiro as an experienced opponent. He says that’s why it took him so long to get going, then thanks his team.

Ismael Bonfim has gone 2-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, if he wants to regain anything like the hype he had around his UFC debut he badly needs to get a win. Axel Sola has gone 1-1 in the UFC, most recently he lost a decision to Mason Jones and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. The odds are with Sola at -200 to Bonfim’s +165.

Lightweight Bout: Ismael Bonfim (20-6, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Axel Sola (11-1-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Sola is four inches taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage. Sola lands a couple of body kicks, then Bonfim pushes things to the fence looking for a takedown. Bonfim is after a single leg, Sola is defending so far and sneaking in some elbows to the head. Sola with some hammer fists and elbows, Bonfim is struggling to get his takedown through the positions and he’s kind of stalling out. Bonfim tries to switch to a double leg, Sola lands a few elbows and one hurts Bonfim. Sola grabs a front headlock, he’s after an anaconda hoke but bails to land some punches as Bonfim is on his knees. Bonfim grabs a single leg to stifle the offense. Sola with more punches and Bonfim goes to full guard. Armbar attack from Bonfim, Sola doesn’t follow the hips quick enough but is able to pull his arm free then lands punches. Sola to the ride and lands some punches to the head. Sola with a d’arce attack, he’s able to crank that down and force the tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Axel Sola via Submission, d’arce choke, at 4:44 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Sola for his work. Mic time for Sola, he’s very happy and puts over Abu Dhabi. He talks us through the finish to close.

Santiago Ponzinibbio has been with the UFC since November of 2013, at times he’s been among the better guys in the division but he’s just 2-5 recently and is coming off of a loss to Daniel Rodriguez. At age 39 and with almost 13 years in the UFC Ponzinibbio is mostly looking for a few more good memories before hanging up the gloves. Sam Patterson has gone 4-2 in the UFC and most recently had a four fight winning streak snapped by Michael Page, Patterson now tries to avoid his first losing streak and add maybe the most recognizable name yet to his resume. Patterson is a hefty favorite at -500 to +375 for Ponzinibbio.

Welterweight Bout: Santiago Ponzinibbio (30-9, 171 lbs.) vs. Sam Patterson (14-3-1, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Patterson is three inches taller, has five inches of reach advantage, and is 9 years younger. Some jabs from Patterson early as he looks to keep things long. Ponzinibbio moves forward and lands a right hand. Both men trade in close. Front kick from Patterson. Ponzinibbio blocks a few punches but he’s still struggling a bit with the range. Bit of a right hand from Patterson. Hard front kick from Patterson. Ponzinibbio falls short with some hooks then Patterson lands a jab. Calf kick from Ponzinibbio. Patterson with a few jabs. Ponzinibbio tries to pressure forward again but can’t quite land. Patterson lands a right hand. One two from Patterson. Another one two from Patterson. Ponzinibbio circles and misses some hooks again. Right from Ponzinibbio in close mostly lands. Short counter right from Patterson drops Ponzinibbio to a knee for a second. Jabs from Patterson now, then he avoids a takedown. They feint away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Patterson

ROUND TWO: Bit of a front kick from Patterson to start the round. There’s some blood coming from the bridge of Ponzinibbio’s nose. Front kick from Patterson. Jab from Patterson then he avoids a right hand. Ponzinibbio keeps falling just a bit short with his punches when trying to close distance. Counter right from Patterson lands. Patterson cracks Ponzinibbio with a right hand. Ponzinibbio gets backed to the fence and eats a one two. Patterson lands a jab. Another jab from Patterson. One two from Patterson and he’s got Ponzinibbio backing up and a little hurt. Patterson lands more jabs then a right hand. Ponzinibbio’s face is getting busted up now. Ponzinibbio swings but misses and eats a counter. Right hand then a left hook from Patterson drops Ponzinibbio, Ponzinibbio fights up but Patterson is all over him. One two from Patterson drops Ponzinibbio and that’ll get the ref to step in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Sam Patterson via TKO, punches, at 3:06 of Round 2

Mic time for Patterson, he says he’s a winner who finishes fights and he proved that again. He talks us through the finish, then when asked about the future after taking this fight on short notice he jokes he’d like to fight the winner of the upcoming Daniel Rodriguez vs. Uros Medic fight. That’s a very reasonable call out.

Dustin Jacoby has been a little up and down since coming back to the UFC but he currently rides a three fight winning streak and is hoping to get back into the rankings with a fourth consecutive win. Muhammad Saidov is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and is getting the chance to take out a respected veteran in his first appearance. The odds lean towards Jacoby at -180 to a +150 comeback on Saidov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Dustin Jacoby (22-9-1, 205 lbs.) vs. Muhammad Saidov (9-0, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jacoby is an inch taller with two and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older. Both men come out probing with long range kicks. Calf kick from Saidov, he’s showing a few stance switches as he circles. Jacoby looks to pressure forward. Bit of a body kick from Saidov. Jacoby avoids a few punches. A few oblique kicks from Jacoby, he’s showing a lot to keep Saidov from settling. Saidov misses a spinning back kick. Jacoby blocks a left high kick but that’s a quick kick from Saidov. Saidov lands a right hand and gets Jacoby backing up briefly. Leg kick from Jacoby. Jab from Jacoby then a calf kick. Saidov misses a left high kick, then misses a wheel kick. Jacoby lands a calf kick. Body kick from Saidov. Now Jacoby shows some stance switches as well. Bit of a wheel kick from Saidov but Jacoby avoids most of it. Both men land punches in close as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Saidov

ROUND TWO: Jacoby gets back to moving forward and showing kicks. Jab from Saidov. Left hook from Saidov. Glancing right hand from Jacoby. Saidov misses a wheel kick. One two from Saidov then a left hand behind it but Jacoby just eats it. Saidov lands a body kick. Jacoby lands a jab. Spinning back kick from Saidov. Saidov lands a calf kick. Bit of a jab from Jacoby. Jacoby keeps showing low kicks but he’s not building off of them. Saidov misses a few punches in close. Jacoby avoids a high kick but then has to avoid a wheel kick. A few jabs from Jacoby land. Saidov with a few jabs of his own. Body kick from Saidov, Jacoby didn’t like that one. Right hand then a left head kick from Saidov drops Jacoby, Jacoby fights up but Saidov unloads on him against the fence with punches and knees until Jacoby drops again and the ref steps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Muhammad Saidov via TKO, head kick and punches, at 4:49 of Round 2

Mic time for Saidov and the translator, he plays with the crowd and feels he had a good performance then asks for a bonus. This fight came together quickly and he just wanted to have a good fight and will continue to prove he belongs here. He talks us through the finish and knew Jacoby was a good kickboxer but as Jacoby slowed down he could keep finishing combinations with head kicks to get to him.

Valter Walker is on a four fight winning streak with the fun trivia fact of all of them being heel hooks, given the overall poor state of heavyweight he’s angling for a step up in class if he can get a fifth straight win here. Thomas Petersen has traded wins and losses while going 3-3 in the UFC, a pattern he hopes to break as he’s coming off of a win and would really like his first UFC winning streak to begin. Walker is the -180 favorite to +150 on Petersen.

Heavyweight Bout: #13 Valter Walker (15-1, 248 lbs.) vs. Thomas Petersen (11-4, 245 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Walker is five inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to start. Petersen switches stances while circling. Walker looks to move forward, lands a body kick then they clinch up. Walker tries to drop for a leg, Petersen smothers him and gets on top in half guard. Quick leg attack from Walker, he’s able to get to the leg but Petersen rolls to the fence and looks to kick free. Walker has a calf slicer attack going on and sits up towards the back with it, Petersen taps but looks in disbelief about it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Valter Walker via Submission, calf slicer, at 1:32 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Walker for his work. Mic time for Walker, he says he didn’t want to get a submission this fight but was able to find one. He will be opening a jiu-jitsu school in Moscow soon. He talks us through the finish and puts over his coaches. Asked about the future he wants Herb Dean because of the way the title fight went.

Abubakar Vagaev brings a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut, two of those wins over UFC veterans Michel Prazeres and Albert Tumenov. Now Vagaev is trying to make the most of his only chance at making a first impression. Saygid Izagakhmaev dropped a tough split decision in his UFC debut against Nicholas Dalby, but now he’s back in action and looking to find that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Vagaev at -245 while +200 for Izagakhmaev might tempt some bettors out there.

Welterweight Bout: Abubakar Vagaev (24-4, 171 lbs.) vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev (22-3, 171 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Izagakhmaev is an inch taller with an inch and a half of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Izagakhmaev pushes forward and misses a couple of punches then Vagaev hits a double leg to get on top in full guard. Vagaev pushes Izagakhmaev against the fence and looks to pass. Izagakhmaev is able to wall walk into a clinch. Some knees from Izagakhmaev, then he counters a trip and lands a couple more knees while pushing Vagaev into the fence. Some positional jockeying, Izagakhmaev is cut around the right eyebrow from the head fighting I think. Vagaev gets a takedown into full guard. A few short blows from Vagaev land. Izagakhmaev looks to get his guard working but things are stalling out. Izagakhmaev is able to attack a leg, Vagaev defends but with some fence grabs as both men wrestle up. A few more knees from Izagakhmaev. Vagaev knees Izagakhmaev in the groin but no reaction from anyone. Izagakhmaev avoids a takedown and lands a knee as they break. Calf kick from Izagakhmaev, then another one. Hard right hand from Izagakhmaev. A calf kick from Izagakhmaev closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Izagakhmaev but could go either way

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Izagakhmaev lands a calf kick. Some jabs from Izagakhmaev then another calf kick. Vagaev does some stance switching while circling. Izagakhmaev misses an uppercut. They split jabs then Izagakhmaev lands a calf kick. Right hand from Vagaev. Vagaev pushes forward and lands to the body. They trade calf kicks then Izagakhmaev lands a jab. Double leg from Izagakhmaev and he gets on top. Vagaev wall walks quickly but Izagakhmaev gets to the back on the fence. Some knees from Izagakhmaev, Vagaev gets chest to chest though and turns Izagakhmaev into the cage. Izagakhmaev is able to land knees as they jockey for position. Vagaev pulls free and resets. Calf kick from Izagakhmaev. Knee from Vagaev then a left to the body. Uppercut from Izagakhmaev. Vagaev pushes for a takedown on the fence then lands an elbow as they’re clinched. A few knees from Izagakhmaev the Vagaev lands an elbow. They break without incident. Another clinch and more knees go back and forth. They break again then split jabs. Another clinch hits the fence. Vagaev looks to level change then lands a couple of elbows. They’ll end the round in the clinch.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Vagaev, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Izagakhmaev comes out and misses a few hooks. Punches from Izagakhmaev land, he’s walking Vagaev down now and landing on him. Vagaev sprawls on a takedown. Takedown from Vagaev, what poor decision making from Izagakhmaev. Izagakhmaev wall walks with Vagaev on his back. Kimura attack from Izagakhmaev, he rolls with it then pushes Vagaev into the fence. Vagaev spins Izagakhmaev into the cage. Double leg from Vagaev is stopped but Izagakhmaev can’t get free. The ref breaks them up, that’s pretty fair. Quick takedown from Vagaev. Izagakhmaev wall walks into a clinch but for some reason just stays in the clinch with him. Takedown from Izagakhmaev and he lands a few punches then gets to full mount. Arm triangle attack from Izagakhmaev, Vagaev is able to defend though. Izagakhmaev lands a few punches, he’s still got full mount. Only a minute left, Izagakhmaev floats between back mount and full mount. Elbow from Izagakhmaev but he’s not striking enough. Armbar attack from Izagakhmaev, not much time left though and Vagaev will see out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Izagakhmaev, 29-28 Izagakhmaev overall but this hinges on the first round

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Abubakar Vagaev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

I don’t think Vagaev did enough in the first round, he landed 0 significant strikes and got hit hard at the end of the round. Mic time for Vagaev, he’s got Khamzat Chimaev translating for him I guess. He is happy to win but doesn’t feel good about how the fight went and wants to show more next time. He puts over his team and the dictator of Chechnya to close.

Rizvan Kuniev has gone 1-1 in the UFC, but he is coming off of a win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Tyrell Fortune is on a four fight winning streak including his UFC debut a few months ago, now he’s looking to extend that streak and get closer to the title picture. Despite there being just 3 UFC fights between these two they’re both ranked in the top 10, such is the state of the heavyweight division. Kuniev is a fairly heavy favorite at -325 to Fortune’s +260 comeback.

Heavyweight Bout: #8 Rizvan Kuniev (14-3-1 1 NC, 265.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Tyrell Fortune (18-3 2 NC, 258 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Kuniev is an inch taller with half an inch of reach advantage. Circling from Fortune then he lands a calf kick. Kuniev keeps moving forward early and fires a front kick. Bit of a right hand from Fortune. Kuniev does some stance switching and pushes into a clinch then lands a knee as Fortune slips free. Body kick from Kuniev. Calf kick from Fortune, then another one and a right hand. Kuniev pushes into a clinch and lands a knee before Fortune pushes free. Kuniev knees into a clinch and lands uppercuts and knees before Fortune gets free. Calf kick from Fortune then Kuniev lands a front kick. Kuniev with a running knee to the body. Solid right hand from Fortune, he’s got pretty quick hands. Spinning back kick from Kuniev hurts Fortune, Kuniev looks to follow up with knees and a flurry in the clinch. Uppercut from Fortune then he pulls free. There’s a cut under the left eye of Fortune. Kuniev has a few knees blocked and gets to a clinch on the fence. Some knees go back and forth then Fortune moves the clinch off the fence. Uppercut from Kuniev, Fortune returns it then they separate just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kuniev

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Kuniev shows the jab. Bit of a right from Fortune. Kuniev with a blitz then some knees in the clinch but Fortune lands a right hand as they break. The right eye of Fortune is swelling, it’s not bad but definitely visible. Another clinch, Kuniev lands a knee then they break. Knee from Kuniev doubles over Fortune, he’s hurt to the liver and Kuniev is all over him. Kuniev with knees then elbows but he’s not going back to the body. Fortune slips free but he’s hurt to the body still, likely a rib injury. Kuniev pushes into another clinch and fires some elbows. Knees go back and forth, then Kuniev lands a few uppercuts and another elbow on the break. Knee up top from Kuniev, Fortune then lands an uppercut in the clinch. Fortune is able to get free. Hard right hand from Fortune into a clinch. Some knees are traded as Kuniev pushes things to the fence. Some more elbows from Kuniev in the clinch. They break without incident. Kuniev avoids a bad level change from Fortune and pushes things to the fence in a clinch. Some more knees from Kuniev, then Fortune lands an elbow. Uppercut from Fortune, then a left hook as they break. Kuniev avoids a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Kuniev, 20-18 Kuniev overall

ROUND THREE: Kuniev gets back to forward pressure. Fortune lands a left hook, then misses a right hand and they clinch up. Short elbow from Kuniev, Fortune then lands a knee. Knee from Kuniev on the break then a front kick. Fortune is hurt again and Kuniev is still slowly breaking him down. Knees from Kuniev, one goes up high and Fortune drops which will get the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rizvan Kuniev via TKO, knees, at 1:12 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Kuniev for his work. Mic time for Kuniev and the translator, he worked very hard for this fight and is very happy to get the win. He talks us through the finish and notes he worked very hard on intercepting knees for this fight and feels he executed what the coaches wanted from him.

Damian Rzepecki is undefeated coming into his UFC debut, and he’s looking to remain that way while making a good first impression on the UFC audience. Magomed Zaynukov is also undefeated coming into his UFC debut, he’s got a bit of notoriety as “John Pork” and if he can get an impressive win here it would only help his celebrity status. Zaynukov is the -270 favorite to a +220 comeback on Rzepecki.

Lightweight Bout: Magomed Zaynukov (8-0, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Damian Rzepecki (10-0, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Rzepecki has three inches of reach advantage, he’s also 7 years younger. Southpaw for Rzepecki. Both men come out side kicking the knee. Elbow from Zaynukov as they clinch up and Rzepecki pushes things to the fence. Some knees to the leg and body from both men as they jockey for position. Zaynukov is able to separate and they reset. Sharp jab from Rzepecki. Zaynukov keeps showing side kicks and oblique kicks to the lead leg of Rzepecki. Elbow from Zaynukov in close. Zaynukov avoids a punch and gets a clinch to the fence. They jockey for position again while a few knees are traded. Bit of a left hand from Zaynukov as they break. Both men avoid punches. Right hand from Zaynukov. Rzepecki lands a side kick. They get close and Zaynukov pokes Rzekecki in the eye so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms the eye poke, Zaynukov hit both eyes technically. The doctor is in to check on Rezpecki, no major medical concerns I think so far. Rzepecki can continue and Zaynukov gets his first and last warning about that, then we’re back to fighting after 2 minutes. Both men back to probing on the lead leg. Body kick from Rzepecki. Oblique kick from Zaynukov. One two from Rzepecki then he hits a takedown, Zaynukov scrambles back up and pushes Rzepekci over briefly. Bit of a high kick from Zaynukov then they clinch and Zaynukov pushes things to the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zaynukov

ROUND TWO: Side kick from Rzepecki to start the round. Zaynukov avoids a high kick. Bit of a combination from Zaynukov. Zaynukov lands a right hand. Rzepecki gets into a clinch but Zaynukov counters a takedown into one of his own and gets on top in full guard. A few elbows from Rzepecki off of his back then he scrambles up and free. A little stance switching now from Rzepecki and he lands a spinning back elbow. Zaynukov with a knee into a clinch and they hit the fence. Rzepecki keeps Zaynukov pinned on the fence for a bit but Zaynukov then slips free. Body kick from Rzepecki. Both men miss rights in close. Elbow from Zaynukov as they clinch up again and Rzepecki pushes things to the fence. A couple more elbows from Zaynukov, one hurts Rzepecki and he looks to follow up. Rzepecki gets to a clinch and pushes things to the fence again. Zaynukov with another elbow in the clinch, and another one before slipping free and Rzepecki is cut up around the left eyebrow now. Spinning back kick from Rzepecki. Zaynukov lands a front kick then a right hand and an elbow in close. Zaynukov is just cutting Rzepecki to pieces in close quarters with those elbows. A couple more elbows from Zaynukov basically close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zaynukov, 20-18 Zaynukov overall

ROUND THREE: Rzepecki probes with some kicks to the lead leg, Zaynukov had some issues with that knee. Zaynukov tries a throw in a clinch but Rzepecki counters and they scramble up and reset. Rzepecki pushes into a clinch on the fence. Short elbow from Zaynukov before they break. Rzepecki goes orthodox for a bit, then Zaynukov blocks a clinch and lands an elbow. Zaynukov avoids a level change. Elbow from Rzepecki. Right hand from Zaynukov then Rzepecki pushes into a clinch on the fence. Both men land elbows in close. Knee from Zaynukov. Another elbow from Zaynukov as he slips free. Front kick to the face from Zaynukov. Zaynukov with an intercepting elbow. Rzepecki misses a spinning attack and gets another clinch but he just can’t find an area where he feels comfortable to throw. Both men land in the clinch before separating. Right hand from Zaynukov then another high front kick. Rzepecki takes an elbow after avoiding a level change. Calf kick from Zaynukov. Another front kick up top from Zaynukov, Rzepecki is just eating these. Zaynukov with a right hand, then a takedown to counter a spinning back kick. Rzepecki fights upright quickly but eats a right hand. Rzepecki pushes to a clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zaynukov, 30-27 Zaynukov overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Zaynukov via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Zaynukov and the translator, he jokingly calls out Ilia Topuria because there was some camp overlap with his opponent, then says he’s from the school of Nurmagomedov and will fight anyone. He says he can wrestle and is the best lightweight in the UFC.

Steve Erceg has gone 5-3 in the UFC and failed to claim the flyweight title from Alexandre Pantoja back in 2024, but he’s currently on a two fight winning streak and is looking to defend his ranking while also moving closer to another crack at the gold. Ramazan Temirov is on an 11 fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s been out of action for a little over a year though. That said a win here would be the biggest of Temirov’s career thus far and would push him into the rankings. This one has been close since it was announced and closed as a -110 pick ’em.

Flyweight Bout: #10 Steve Erceg (14-4, 126 lbs.) vs. Ramazan Temirov (19-2, 126 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Erceg is four inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Immediate spinning back kick from Temirov. Another spinning back kick from Temirov but Erceg mostly smothers that and tries to take the back but Temirov shakes him over the top and both men reset. Bit of a right hand from Temirov. Stiff jab from Temirov. Erceg avoids a wheel kick. Bit of an uppercut from Erceg. Calf kick from Temirov. They clinch up, Erceg lands a knee then Temirov hits the body before spinning free. Glancing left hook from Temirov. Erceg lands a jab. Some left hand work from Temirov now. Erceg walks into a right hand but just eats it. Right hand from Erceg. Both men miss punches in close. Bit of a counter right from Temirov. Erceg misses a high kick. Right hand from Temirov but Erceg returns it. Temirov drops Erceg with a combination, Erceg wrestles up but Temirov is all over him. More clubbing rights from Temirov then a left to the body. A couple more Temirov rights finally FLOOR Erceg and we’re done here.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ramazan Temirov via KO, punches, at 4:21 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Temirov for his work. Mic time for Temirov and the translator, he thanks God first then plays with the crowd and asks who’s next for him. He wants to be champion, then talks us through the finish and talks about how hard he’s worked for this moment. Asked about the future he wants Joshua Van, which seems profoundly unlikely, before putting over his team and sending love to the President of Uzbekistan who’s birthday was yesterday.

They announce that Saladine Parnasse has joined the UFC and will fight Dan Hooker in the main event of the upcoming Paris card. Parnasse is a great signing, he’s been really good for a long time, and he and Hooker will try to kill each other so that’s great.

Magomed Anakalev is a former light heavyweight champion, he bested Alex Pereira to win the title then immediately got bulldozed by him in the rematch. That title losing effort was in October of last year, now Ankalaev is finally back in action and given the overall dire state of the division he’s looking to make the case for another crack at the gold with a win. Bogdan Guskov is replacing Khalil Rountree on somewhat short notice, his last fight was a draw with Jan Blachowicz but if he can take out the former champion here it would be the biggest win of his career and could push him into the title picture. Ankalaev is a hefty favorite at -550 to +400 on Guskov.

Light Heavyweight Bout: #1 Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1 1 NC, 205.5 lbs.) vs. #9 Bogdan Guskov (18-3-1, 205.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Guskov has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Ankalaev. Both men probe a bit with low kicks. A little stance switching from Ankalaev, still mostly southpaw but he’s showing orthodox a bit. Side kick from Ankalaev. Guskov lands a calf kick. A few more long range kicks go back and forth, nothing serious yet from either man. Calf kick from Ankalaev. Bit of a body kick from Guskov. Lots of staring and a little feinting. Bit of a high kick from Guskov then both men land inside leg kicks. Guskov misses a wheel kick and Ankalaev lands a couple of punches to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev but a very slow and low output round

ROUND TWO: Ankalaev gets back to moving forward and lands a body kick. Calf kick from Guskov. Side kick from Ankalaev. Bit of a left hand from Ankalaev. Guskov keeps tapping in calf kicks, if he wants to use that weapon he should commit at this point. Left hand from Ankalaev. Guskov avoids a head kick then lands a calf kick. Glancing left from Ankalaev. Right hand from Guskov. Ankalaev pushes into a clinch and things hit the fence. Knee from Ankalaev. Ankalaev just keeps things pressed onto the fence. A few short body punches from Ankalaev. A couple knees from Ankalaev, then he misses a spinning attack as Guskov pushes free. Ankalaev fires a head kick that misses as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev, 20-18 Ankalaev overall

ROUND THREE: Both men have now been warned for extending the fingers, no eye pokes yet though. A few kicks are shown by both men but nothing serious lands. Calf kick then Guskov shows a high kick but that doesn’t land. Side kick from Ankalaev. Silly spin from Ankalaev hits air. Man there’s more than two more rounds potentially of this. Ankalaev moves forward then lands a left hand. A couple of short inside calf kicks from Guskov. Bit of a high kick from Guskov. Ankalaev lands a calf kick. Guskov avoids a right hand. Bit of a side kick from Ankalaev. A whole lot of staring going on. Bit of a left from Ankalaev then a calf kick. They both miss jabs. Bit of a left from Ankalaev to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev, 30-27 Ankalaev overall but a truly terrible fight

ROUND FOUR: Guskov opens the round with a calf kick. Ankalaev shoots and gets a takedown against the fence into half guard. A few body to head punches from Ankalaev land. Guskov is trying to get on a hip, he’s half going for octopus guard but doesn’t seem to know what to do with it. Ankalaev moves to the ride, grabs a choke but only one hook in. Guskov breaks the grip of Ankalaev and sits up again. Ankalaev attacks the choke again but again can’t get it to a finishing position. A few hammer fists from Ankalaev land, he tries the choke again but Guskov is very quick to attack the hands and stop him from being able to get to a finishing position. Short elbows from Ankalaev land now. Body to head punches from Ankalaev as he goes back to half guard. Ankalaev moves to full mount just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Ankalaev, could maybe be 10-8 I guess as Guskov did pretty much nothing, 40-36 Ankalaev overall

ROUND FIVE: Guskov is cut around the right eyebrow. They hug to start the last round. Ankalaev tries a double leg, and gets it. Guskov grabs an anaconda choke on the way down though, but loses it and Ankalaev gets into side control. Well at least something moderately noteworthy happened. Ankalaev moves back to full mount with almost comical ease, then gets to the hip ride again. A few punches land for Ankalaev. Ankalaev fully to the ride now and then floats to side control as he drags Guskov away from the fence. Some knees to the back from Ankalaev, that’s fine as long as you don’t hit the spine. Ankalaev to the ride again and lands some punches. Guskov scoots towards the fence, Ankalaev keeps throwing and while they’re not hard punches the ref just stops it anyway and saves all of us from a few more minutes of that dreck.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Magomed Ankalaev via TKO, punches, at 2:41 of Round 5

The Final Round Finish Club will not be acknowledging this one given how absolutely terrible the fight was. They give Ankalaev an interview for some reason, the translator seems surprised too and has to hustle over. Ankalaev feels good then thanks Guskov for taking the fight on short notice. He says strikers never want to actually strike with him and he had to use wrestling here. Asked about the future he wants to get back to the title. Even the poor state of light heavyweight isn’t going to reward that kind of piss poor performance.

Well on that truly dreadful fight UFC Fight Night: Anakalev vs. Guskov comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast tomorrow/Monday, plus looking ahead to next week when the UFC heads to Serbia. Next week is another early start, 10am EST, so keep that in mind. I’ll have you covered as always. Thank you all for reading, live or after the fact. Until next time stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

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