Magomed Ankalaev steps up as main event replacement at UFC Abu Dhabi on 1 Aug

Magomed Ankalaev has been thrust into the UFC Abu Dhabi main event on 1 August after Khalil Rountree Jr. pulled out injured, replacing the American against Bogdan Guskov.

What happened?

UFC officials moved Magomed Ankalaev into the Abu Dhabi main event when Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew with an injury. The slot was then filled by Bogdan Guskov, who had been lined up to face Jan Blachowicz at UFC Belgrade. Blachowicz confirmed on X that the UFC first asked him to step in against Ankalaev, but he wasn’t sure he could make weight. Once Blachowicz agreed without a catchweight, the promotion finalized Guskov instead.

Why it matters for Magomed Ankalaev

The late change hands Ankalaev a high-profile main-event spot on short notice. The card marks the UFC’s first trip to Abu Dhabi in 2026, giving the Dagestani fighter a bright spotlight. Ankalaev’s camp will now prepare for a five-round main-event war instead of a co-main slot. Guskov, ranked No. 15 at light heavyweight, gets a ranked opponent after Blachowicz’s planned rematch fell through.

What comes next for Blachowicz?

Jan Blachowicz now needs a new opponent for UFC Belgrade on 1 August, just 16 days away. With top-15 light heavyweights likely booked, the UFC may turn to an unranked contender or a debutant to keep Blachowicz on the card. Another option is to pull him entirely and slot him onto a later event, but Blachowicz hasn’t fought since December and wants to stay active.

How the card stacks up

UFC Abu Dhabi on 1 August features Ankalaev vs. Guskov as the main event, replacing the original headliner. The change keeps the card strong while giving Ankalaev another marquee fight under the lights. Blachowicz’s search for a replacement opponent at UFC Belgrade adds urgency to the promotion’s scramble to fill the slot.