{"id":48511,"date":"2026-07-22T17:57:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T23:57:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gambyl.com\/?p=48511"},"modified":"2026-07-22T17:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T23:57:23","slug":"ufc-fight-night-ankalaev-vs-rountree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gambyl.com\/en\/ufc\/ufc-fight-night-ankalaev-vs-rountree\/","title":{"rendered":"UFC Fight Night Ankalaev vs. Rountree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi for one of the summer’s most compelling Fight Night cards, headlined by former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev. Originally booked against Khalil Rountree Jr., Ankalaev now faces short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov after Rountree withdrew with an injury two weeks out from fight night. The change reshapes the main event dynamic but does nothing to reduce the stakes for a fighter who needs a statement performance after dropping the light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira at UFC 320.

The rest of the card is stacked across all thirteen bouts. Islam Dulatov looks to cement himself among the welterweight elite against veteran Wellington Turman, Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov collide in a wide-open flyweight co-main event, and two undefeated lightweights meet in one of the card’s most intriguing prospect battles. The prelims add further depth with Dustin Jacoby, Ismael Bonfim, Valter Walker, and a full slate of fighters with something to prove in front of the Etihad Arena crowd.

Catch this Saturday’s UFC\/MMA<\/a> event with full fight analysis and betting insights, then keep the adrenaline going at Gambyl Casino<\/a>, where exclusive promos and nonstop casino action bring fight night to another level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Fight Card Odds and Info <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Magomed Ankalaev -300<\/em><\/td>Bogdan Guskov +250<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Ramazan Temirov -150<\/em><\/td>Steve Erceg +130<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Islam Dulatov -500<\/em><\/td>Wellington Turman +385 <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Magomed Zaynukov -275<\/em><\/td>Damian Rzepecki +235 <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Rizvan Kuniev -250<\/em><\/td>Tyrell Fortune +210 <\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
Abubakar Vagaev -EVEN<\/em><\/td>Saygid Izagakhmaev -EVEN <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Valter Walker -200 <\/em><\/td>Thomas Petersen +170<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Dustin Jacoby -165<\/em><\/td>Muhammad Said +140 <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Sam Patterson -450<\/em><\/td>Santiago Ponzinibbio +350<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Axel Sola -185 <\/em><\/td>Ismael Bonfim +155<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Magomed Tuchalov -550<\/em><\/td>Brendson Ribeiro +420<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Nurullo Aliev -220<\/em><\/td>Mike Davis +185<\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Abdul Hussein -350<\/em><\/td>Cody Gibson +285<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
When? <\/strong><\/td>Saturday, July 25 at 1:00 pm ET, 12:00 pm CST, 11:00 am MT, and 10:00 am PT <\/em><\/td><\/tr>
Where?<\/strong><\/td>Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi <\/em> <\/td><\/tr>
Where Can I Watch It? <\/strong><\/td>ESPN+<\/a> and UFC Fight Pass<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Magomed Ankalaev? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Magomed Ankalaev arrives in Abu Dhabi with a clear mission. The former light heavyweight champion lost the 205-pound title to Alex Pereira by TKO at UFC 320, and everything about this fight- the venue, the opponent, the odds- points to a performance designed to send a message to the division.

The biggest advantage is his elite striking. Ankalaev is one of the most technically gifted light heavyweights the UFC has ever seen, combining sharp boxing with devastating leg kicks and an ability to create angles that most 205-pound fighters don\u2019t usually take. At 21-2-1, he has earned his position as a top-ranked light heavyweight through clean technique and powerful finishes.

Against a short-notice replacement stepping in two weeks out, Ankalaev has every structural advantage. He completed his full camp, knows his opponent’s tendencies, and is fighting on a stage that has historically suited elite strikers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Bogdan Guskov? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guskov accepted this fight on short notice and should not be dismissed purely because of the circumstances. The ninth-ranked light heavyweight holds an 18-3-1 professional record and drew with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323 in December 2025, a performance that showed his composure against high-level opponents.

The biggest advantage is his finishing instinct. Guskov has secured 12 of his 18 wins inside the distance, which means he carries a threat in every exchange regardless of how the early rounds develop. A short-notice assignment can bring freedom; with expectations against you, there is nothing to lose by being aggressive.

Ankalaev has shown defensive vulnerability. A fast-starting, heavy-handed early burst from Guskov could create real problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Betting Analysis: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Bogdan Guskov <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This fight heavily favors Ankalaev, and the odds reflect that correctly.

Guskov is a credible professional with genuine finishing ability. However, the combination of a shortened camp, a significant ranking gap, and Ankalaev’s technical superiority makes it very difficult to build a case for the underdog. Ankalaev’s elite footwork, reach advantage, and accuracy should allow him to control distance, accumulate damage, and eventually find a finish. The only realistic scenario for Guskov involves landing something significant in the first two rounds before Ankalaev settles in.

Expect Ankalaev to be sharp, efficient, and motivated. A statement finish would put him straight back in the title conversation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night: Ramazan Temirov vs. Steve Erceg <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Ramazan Temirov? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ramazan Temirov has built one of flyweight’s most feared r\u00e9sum\u00e9s as a finishing machine, and the market has him as a slight favorite heading into this bout. He carries an 11-fight unbeaten run and has consistently produced spectacular stoppages throughout his career, combining relentless forward pressure with legitimate one-shot knockout power that few fighters at 125 pounds can match.

The biggest advantage is his aggression. Temirov does not allow opponents to settle into comfortable rhythms. He pressures constantly, mixes levels well, and has enough power to threaten with single shots and combinations at any point in the fight.

Another key factor is his effort to always engage. Temirov does not allow fights to become technical chess matches. He forces action and drags opponents into exchanges where his finishing instinct becomes the deciding factor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Steve Erceg? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Steve Erceg is one of flyweight’s most complete and technically sound contenders. The Australian nearly won the 125-pound title in just his fourth UFC appearance, and he has continued building his reputation through clean boxing, scrambling ability, and high fight IQ. After recovering from a three-fight losing streak with back-to-back victories over Tim Elliott and Ode Osbourne, Erceg arrives having renewed momentum.

The biggest advantage is his technical boxing. Erceg throws clean combinations, creates angles, and lands at a high rate against opponents who struggle to match his striking refinement. His composure in scrambles makes him dangerous whenever the fight hits the mat.

At +130, Erceg represents real value for a fighter whose overall skill set matches up well with Temirov’s aggressive approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Betting Analysis: Ramazan Temirov vs. Steve Erceg <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is the card’s most competitive and least predictable matchup. The market calling it nearly a coin flip tells you everything.

Temirov’s pressure and finishing ability are legitimate threats, but his return from a PED suspension creates a genuine question mark around his conditioning and timing. If he comes in sharp, he is dangerous from the opening bell.

Erceg’s technical edge, composure, and scrambling versatility give him a realistic path to winning regardless of where the fight takes place. Both outcomes are believable here, which is exactly what +130 odds are for. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night: Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Islam Dulatov? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Islam “The Ripper” Dulatov is one of the most exciting welterweight prospects the UFC has seen in years. The 12-1 fighter has been devastating inside the Octagon, combining explosive striking with an aggressive finishing instinct that has produced highlights in virtually every performance. The market’s extreme confidence in him at -500 reflects just how lopsided the ability gap appears on paper.

The biggest advantage is his speed and power. Dulatov does not need extended sequences to create damage. He generates knockout power from short range, mixes levels well, and closes distance faster than most welterweights can react. He is the kind of fighter who can end a fight with a single clean exchange.

His wrestling has also continued to develop, giving him a complete enough game to prevent opponents from finding a single comfortable style to exploit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Wellington Turman? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wellington Turman is an 18-8 Brazilian veteran who has competed against some of the best welterweights in the division and consistently made fights difficult regardless of the opponent’s quality level. His efforts to engage, his conditioning, and his experience in prolonged grappling battles make him a dangerous option for any fighter who underestimates him.

The biggest advantage is his durability and pressure. Turman does not wilt, does not adjust poorly to adversity, and remains dangerous on the mat throughout all three rounds. If he can drag Dulatov into a grinding, grappling-heavy battle, the pace and physicality could become factors.

His path is clear: initiate clinch work early, nullify Dulatov’s striking range, and grind through the kind of ugly contest that favors experience over explosiveness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Betting Analysis: Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dulatov is the correct favorite by a significant margin, and his ceiling in this division is genuinely exciting to project.

Turman’s best chance is an early clinch that forces Dulatov into uncomfortable grappling before he establishes his striking rhythm. But Dulatov’s athleticism and striking versatility drive sustained clinch dominance that is hard to maintain for three full rounds.

Barring an early submission or a shock finish, Dulatov should impose his striking and secure another impressive performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night: Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Magomed Zaynukov? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Magomed “Wild Chanco” Zaynukov has built one of the most impressive undefeated records among active UFC lightweights. The 8-0 fighter has delivered clean, composed performances inside the Octagon, demonstrating versatility in striking and grappling that makes him difficult to figure out.

The biggest advantage is his control of range and pace. Zaynukov manages distance well, sets up his offense methodically, and rarely makes the defensive errors that allow upsets to happen in all-undefeated matchups. At -275, the market agrees he holds a clear edge, and his excellent skill set justifies that confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Damian Rzepecki? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Damian “The Butcher” Rzepecki brings his own undefeated record into this lightweight collision at 10-0. The Polish fighter has done everything asked of him on his way to the UFC, and his submission game has been the calling card; multiple finishes via rear-naked choke and triangle across his professional career.

The biggest advantage is his finishing instinct. Rzepecki pursues submissions aggressively once the fight hits the mat, and he has demonstrated a willingness to capitalize on defensive openings regardless of the fight’s position. Against an opponent stepping up in competition, his comfort in grappling scrambles makes him dangerous.

His path requires forcing Zaynukov into defensive grappling situations, capitalizing on any overextension, and finding the submission that sends a message in the biggest fight of his career. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Betting Analysis: Magomed Zaynukov vs. Damian Rzepecki <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An all-undefeated lightweight matchup rarely produces a predictable outcome, but Zaynukov’s composure and more well-rounded game give him the structural edge.

Rzepecki’s submission game is a legitimate threat if he can generate the right scrambles, but consistently getting there against a disciplined grappler and striker is a considerable challenge. Zaynukov should control the pace, limit scramble opportunities, and earn a decision or late stoppage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

UFC Fight Night: Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Rizvan Kuniev? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rizvan Kuniev enters this heavyweight bout with a 13-3-1 record and a clear advantage in experience against diverse opposition. The Dagestan-born fighter brings a grappling-heavy approach that has tested opponents throughout his career, combining takedown ability with top pressure that makes him difficult to beat for strikers who struggle on the mat.

The biggest advantage is his wrestling and cage control. Kuniev commits to takedowns, works the body, and grinds rounds through sustained pressure that accumulates over three frames. Against a heavyweight like Fortune whose best asset is his striking power, limiting the standup exchanges becomes critical.

At -250, the market identifies Kuniev as a clear favorite, and his considerable skill set in the heavyweight division justifies that positioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Bet on Tyrell Fortune? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tyrell Fortune holds an 18-3 record and represents one of the more physically imposing heavyweights on the UFC roster. His striking-based approach and athleticism give him a genuine finishing threat in any exchange, and he has the size and power to change the fight at any moment with a single clean shot.

The biggest advantage is his knockout potential. Heavyweights do not need to win rounds to win fights. If Fortune can keep the bout standing, limit Kuniev’s takedown success, and land his heavy combinations, he has a realistic path to surprise.

His conditioning and gameness to push the pace have been consistent strengths throughout his career, making him capable of making the fight uncomfortable for opponents who prefer a controlled, grinding approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Betting Analysis: Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kuniev’s wrestling-heavy approach should allow him to dictate where this fight takes place, giving him a meaningful advantage over a striker-first heavyweight.

Fortune’s power makes him dangerous at all times, and a single clean exchange could change the outcome of any heavyweight fight. However, Kuniev’s ability to neutralize that threat by consistently securing takedowns and controlling positions should be the deciding factor over three rounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Attention New Players!<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\t\"Gambyl\"\r\n

Bet on Sports legally at the Gambyl Betting Exchange. New player offer: $10 USD for all new verified accounts plus a 100% match bonus on your first deposit.<\/a><\/p>\t\r\n

Join Today!<\/a><\/p>\r\n<\/div>