UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Guskov Preview & Storylines

How to Watch

Date: July 25, 2026

Streaming: The event will stream exclusively on Paramount+.

Main Card: 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET

Prelims: 6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET

Full Fight Card

The event features a stacked lineup of talent from around the globe. Here is the complete schedule with start times reiterated:

Main Card (9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET)

• Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
• Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov (Flyweight)
• Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman (Welterweight)
• Damian Rzepecki vs. Magomed Zaynukov (Lightweight)
• Tyrell Fortune vs. Rizvan Kuniev (Heavyweight)

Preliminary Card (6 a.m. PT / 9 a.m. ET)

• Saygid Izagakhmaev vs. Abubakar Vagaev (Welterweight)
• Thomas Petersen vs. Valter Walker (Heavyweight)
• Dustin Jacoby vs. Muhammad Said (Light Heavyweight)
• Sam Patterson vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio (Welterweight)
• Ismael Bonfim vs. Axel Sola (Lightweight)
• Brendson Ribeiro vs. Magomed Tuchalov (Light Heavyweight)
• Nurullo Aliev vs. Mike Davis (Lightweight)
• Cody Gibson vs. Abdul Hussein (Bantamweight)

Main Event Breakdown

The main event presents an interesting stylistic clash between Ankalaev, the calculated and meticulous former champion, and a rising prospect Bogdan Guskov, who has proven himself to be a dangerous finisher. 

Ankalaev is looking to rebound after losing his light heavyweight title in a devastating 80-second knockout to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 last October. Before that loss, however, Ankalaev was on a 14-fight unbeaten streak, underscoring just how dominant he has been throughout his career.

A southpaw known for his patient, counter-striking style, precise leg kicks, and suffocating clinch tactics, Ankalaev excels at controlling range with his lead right hand and powerful left kick. Rather than chasing finishes recklessly, he utilizes his entire skillset to prolong exchanges where his superior positioning gradually limits his opponent’s offensive options.

His wrestling also remains an underrated part of his arsenal. Ankalaev rarely shoots takedowns in high volume, but when opponents have a game plan to knock him out, he is effective at tying them up to minimize the necessary striking space and pressing them up against the fence, like he did in his first fight against Pereira that made him a champion (via UFC):

That versatility has been a defining characteristic throughout his UFC run.

Bogdan Guskov, however, enters the bout with a dramatically different style. Coming off a majority draw against former champion Jan Blachowicz, the Uzbek contender has built his reputation on aggression and finishing ability, relying on heavy combinations and constant forward pressure. 

Rather than attempting to outpoint opponents, Guskov typically looks to overwhelm them with powerful hooks and uppercuts, like in his fight against Ryan Spann (via ESPN MMA on X).

While he possesses the knockout power to end any fight, he will be facing a massive step up in competition on short notice, having originally been scheduled for a different bout next month.

Keys to Victory

The tactical battle may ultimately come down to distance management. Ankalaev has historically performed best when he dictates range with kicks and straight left hands, preventing opponents from setting their feet. 

If he can consistently force Guskov to reset after failed entries, the former champion should be able to score while constantly minimizing risk. He followed that type of game plan for the majority of his fight against Johnny Walker, until he found the finish (via UFC):

Guskov's clearest path to victory is disrupting that rhythm early. Ankalaev has occasionally fought at a measured pace, and Guskov will likely attempt to capitalize by making the contest chaotic before the favorite can settle into his preferred tempo. 

If he can find a home for that laser of a right hand that he dropped Nikita Krylov with, Guskov may be able to launch himself into title contention (via UFC):

Ankalaev possesses the more complete overall skill set, with advantages in defensive striking, tactical adaptability, and wrestling if needed. Guskov, however, owns the kind of power that can instantly change the outcome of any fight, along with enough technicality in the pocket to make him dangerous for opponents with a high defensive IQ, making him a live underdog whenever he can force favorable exchanges.

The key question is whether Guskov can use his footwork to position himself to land a fight-altering blow before Ankalaev's distance management and experience take over.