Magomed Ankalaev is set to return in a UFC Fight Night 282 main event against Bogdan Guskov at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in March 2025.
The bout marks Ankalaev’s first appearance since his 25-minute title fight at UFC 313, where he defeated Alex Pereira by unanimous decision at light heavyweight. Ankalaev won the UFC light heavyweight title in that matchup by outboxing Pereira over five rounds.
Ankalaev is described as the only fighter to defeat Pereira at light heavyweight. Pereira, also known as "Poatan", previously handed Ankalaev a loss in a separate bout in which Ankalaev lost his UFC belt.
Ankalaev enters UFC Fight Night 282 with a 21-2-1 MMA record and a 12-2-1 UFC mark. Guskov brings an 18-3-1 MMA record and a 4-1-1 UFC record into the Abu Dhabi headliner.
