Magomed Ankalaev is set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The booking marks Ankalaev’s return after a title fight loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 in October 2025. Rountree also heads into the matchup looking to rebound from a knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka at the same event.
Before his recent setback, Rountree had built momentum with five straight wins and collected three Performance of the Night bonuses. The former The Ultimate Fighter standout now enters this headliner with a recent Octagon record of one win and two losses in his last three appearances.
Ankalaev, a former UFC light heavyweight champion, will look to reassert himself at the top of the division in Abu Dhabi. One of the names associated with his recent run is Alex Pereira, also known as "Poatan."
