MMA & Boxing · UFC · 2026

Date & time

25 Jul 2026, 15:00

Round

28

Venue

Etihad Arena

Location

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

An intense atmosphere of championship-level mixed martial arts returns to the Yas Island shores as the UFC takes over the Etihad Arena for a pivotal light heavyweight headliner at UFC Fight Night 282. The primary hurdle for top-ranked contender Magomed Ankalaev is executing a massive strategic adjustment on short notice after original opponent Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew due to an injury, swapping a striking-heavy southpaw look for a dangerous right-handed powerhouse. The objective for the elite Dagestani tactician is to dominate the center of the cage, weaponizing his technical counter-striking, lethal head kicks, and suffocating wrestling base to completely neutralize the threat. Concurrently, the mission for late-replacement threat Bogdan Guskov centers on maximizing the ultimate showcase of his professional career, relying on his ferocious first-round finishing power and explosive right hand to crack Ankalaev’s legendary defensive shell and shock the division.