Experience UFC in Abu Dhabi with Ankalaev vs Guskov in the main event, Erceg vs Temirov as co-main and a deep fight card at Etihad Arena. The event takes place on 25 July 2026, so plan your ticket purchase and your trip to Yas Island with the latest event details in mind
UFC Abu Dhabi brings a changed main event and an important light heavyweight test
The UFC returns to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on July 25, with the program starting at 5:00 p.m. local time. The final schedule may still change, but the current version of the fight card has a clear sporting focus: Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov headline the evening in the light heavyweight division, while Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov occupy the co-main event position in the flyweight division.
The main event was changed less than two weeks before the event. Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew from the bout with Ankalaev, and Guskov accepted the fight on short notice. This gave the matchup a different tactical complexion. Ankalaev is trying to re-establish his position near the top of the division after losing the belt, while Guskov receives the biggest opportunity of his career.
For the crowd in the arena, this means tension from the very first face-off. Tickets for this event have been in high demand, particularly because Etihad Arena attracts spectators from different parts of the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Why Ankalaev versus Guskov matters for the light heavyweight division
Ankalaev arrives in Abu Dhabi as a former champion. He won the belt by unanimous decision against Alex Pereira at UFC 313 and lost it in an immediate rematch at UFC 320. That brief defeat ended his long unbeaten run, and now every new performance affects his position near the top of the division.
His profile cannot be reduced to wrestling alone, although his combat sambo background remains important. Ankalaev is a patient southpaw who often controls the middle distance, forces his opponent toward the fence and chooses his moments to enter the clinch or attempt a takedown. When he cannot complete a takedown, he uses pressure against the fence to slow the pace and reduce his opponent's space.
Guskov brings a different type of threat. Each of his 18 professional victories was finished before the judges' decision - 15 by knockout or technical knockout and three by submission. Before his draw with Jan Błachowicz, he recorded four consecutive UFC stoppage victories, including wins over Ryan Spann, Billy Elekana and Nikita Krylov.
The key is not only his punching power. Guskov looks for situations in which his opponent remains on a straight line or exits an exchange for too long with his chin raised. He reads the moment for a straight right and left hook well, and when he senses that his opponent is hurt, he quickly closes the distance. His first UFC defeat against Volkan Oezdemir nevertheless showed how vulnerable he can be when he loses position in grappling.
Tactical points worth following in the main event
- Lead leg and entry angle: As a southpaw, Ankalaev can make it more difficult for Guskov to set up his powerful right hand, but he must be careful of wide hooks on the exit.
- Work against the fence: If Ankalaev closes the space, he can combine body strikes, clinch control and takedown attempts.
- The first two rounds: Guskov is entering on short notice and will probably look for clear, high-value exchanges before his conditioning is tested.
- Defense after a miss: A wide strike that fails to land can open an entry to the legs or a body lock.
- Composure after landing: Victory may go to the fighter who restores his guard and distance control more quickly after an exchange.
This is not a matchup in which simply counting strikes is enough. It is more important to watch who determines where the fight takes place. In the center of the cage, Guskov receives more room for an explosive attack. Against the fence, the fight moves closer to a rhythm that suits Ankalaev.
Guskov enters the main event without a conventional training camp
Accepting a five-round fight on short notice changes the preparation, but it does not automatically determine the outcome. Guskov had already been training for a bout with Jan Błachowicz in Belgrade at the beginning of August. Nevertheless, changing the opponent, city and planned number of rounds requires a rapid adjustment.
Against Ankalaev, he cannot rely only on an aggressive start. The former champion knows how to slow the fight down, interrupt a combination through clinch contact and force his opponent to rebuild the attack. Guskov must choose moments in which he can attack without losing his balance. His reaction to feints toward the legs is particularly important.
For Ankalaev, the danger lies precisely in the fact that the replacement opponent has little to lose. Guskov does not need to construct a perfect fight across five rounds to create an upset. A few chaotic sequences in which his power comes to the fore may be enough. Ankalaev must therefore avoid retreating passively in a straight line toward the fence and remaining in the pocket for too long.
Seats disappear quickly when a fight card change increases uncertainty surrounding the main event. This matchup has created a contest between a controlled, multilayered approach and an exceptionally high finishing rate.
Erceg and Temirov bring the speed of the flyweight division
The co-main event between Steve Erceg and Ramazan Temirov provides a contrast to the heavy, physical main event. The flyweight division brings more changes of pace, quicker entries and exits, and frequent transitions between striking, the clinch and the ground.
Erceg already has experience fighting for a UFC title. Against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 301, he completed all five rounds and lost by decision. After a demanding run against Kai Kara-France and Brandon Moreno, he returned to winning ways with decision victories over Ode Osbourne and Tim Elliott. Against Osbourne, he adapted after a difficult start, reduced the number of open exchanges and took control through grappling.
His style is based on clean boxing fundamentals, work with the lead hand and well-timed level changes. On the ground, he looks for the back, chokes and transitions that force his opponent into defensive reactions. His greatest advantage may be his experience in long, tactically complex fights against the division's elite.
Temirov is more aggressive during the first contact. He finished his UFC debut by stoppage against C.J. Vergara and then defeated Charles Johnson by unanimous decision. He returns in Abu Dhabi after a one-year suspension that ended on July 5, 2026. Against a former title challenger, he must immediately show whether he can maintain his pace, accuracy and defense throughout a high-intensity fight.
In the striking exchanges, it is worth watching Temirov's explosive entries and Erceg's response after the initial attack. If Erceg forces his opponent to strike while off balance, he can connect a counter with a body lock or takedown. If Temirov holds the center and cuts off the exits, Erceg will not have enough room to calmly set up his combinations.
Other bouts shaping the evening
The current fight card includes a combination of experienced UFC names, new faces and fighters with regional appeal. The order may change up to the day of the event.
Islam Dulatov versus Wellington Turman combines precision in striking with the experience of a fighter who knows how to work in the clinch and on the ground. Rizvan Kuniev and Tyrell Fortune bring a heavyweight matchup in which pace control will be as important as power. Ismael Bonfim against Axel Sola is interesting because of the collision between explosive offense and technical discipline.
The card also lists Valter Walker versus Thomas Petersen, Santiago Ponzinibbio versus Sam Patterson, Brendson Ribeiro versus Magomed Tuchalov, Magomed Zaynukov versus Damian Rzepecki, Saygid Izagakhmaev versus Abubakar Vagaev, and Abdul Hussein versus Cody Gibson. It is useful to check the latest version of the schedule before departure because the order and composition of the program may change.
How Etihad Arena changes the experience of a UFC evening
Etihad Arena is located at Yas Bay Waterfront, on the southern side of Yas Island. The arena accommodates up to 18,000 spectators, but its configuration changes depending on the event. The modular stands and air-conditioned interior are particularly important during the summer in Abu Dhabi.
The geometry of the space is also important for the UFC. The arena keeps spectators close to the fighting area, so the reaction to a takedown, submission attempt or clean counter spreads through the venue almost instantly. Fighter entrances are accompanied by a large-scale production, but the greatest intensity often develops several seconds before the start of a round, when the entire arena's attention turns toward the Octagon.
Abu Dhabi has a long connection with the UFC, from the Fight Island period to regular events at Etihad Arena. The crowd often strongly supports fighters from Dagestan, Uzbekistan and the wider Eurasian region. This provides an additional soundscape for the appearances of Ankalaev, Guskov and Temirov, while international visitors create a mixture of flags, languages and styles of support.
It is worth securing tickets in good time and planning to arrive before the first fights. The early part of the program is not merely an introduction: it often features UFC debutants, stylistically unusual matchups and fighters attempting to earn bigger opportunities.
Arrival, parking and entry into the arena
Etihad Arena can be reached by car, taxi and public transport. The venue lists several parking zones, including public parking, a multistorey car park and the C37 area, which also serves as a taxi passenger pickup location. The availability of zones depends on the event, so visitors should follow the signs and staff instructions.
Yas Express and local bus routes connect parts of Yas Island with the arena. For visitors staying in central Abu Dhabi, a taxi is usually the simplest option, while travelers on Yas Island can check hotel shuttle services. Because of congestion after the main event, it is useful to select a meeting point with the driver in advance.
Visitors should prepare a digital ticket and a photographic identification document for entry. Everyone undergoes a security check, and re-entry after leaving is not permitted. Door-opening times vary by event, so arriving earlier reduces the risk of missing the first bout.
What to bring and what to leave at your accommodation
- Bring your digital ticket on a fully charged phone and a photographic identification document.
- A bag must not be larger than 30 x 30 x 15 centimeters.
- Outside food and drinks are not permitted.
- Professional cameras, recording equipment, laptops, tablets, selfie sticks and tripods are not permitted.
- Power banks, perfumes and lighters are included on the list of prohibited items.
- The arena has accessible seating and facilities for wheelchair users.
Catering facilities, Wi-Fi and prayer rooms near the main entrances are available inside the arena. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not permitted indoors. Because the event lasts several hours and consists of a series of fights, it is practical to complete any preparations before the main card begins.
Abu Dhabi between the fights
Yas Island is a distinct entertainment and sports zone of Abu Dhabi. Nearby attractions include Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Mall and major theme parks. A visitor arriving only for the UFC can remain on the island, while a stay of several days creates an opportunity to visit Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
July brings extremely high temperatures and humidity, so outdoor walking is best limited to shorter distances. Etihad Arena is air-conditioned, but the transition between the outdoor environment, transport and the arena can be abrupt. Lightweight clothing that respects local standards and an additional layer for the cooler interior are practical choices.
The day of the event is best organized without a tight schedule. Traffic toward Yas Bay increases before the program, and after the main event a large number of visitors simultaneously look for taxis or head toward the parking areas. Arriving earlier allows for a calmer security check and the opportunity to follow the entire fight card.
Sources:
- MMA Fighting - change to the main event, the Ankalaev - Guskov matchup and the context of the light heavyweight division.
- MMA Mania - updated fight card, program times and the result streaks of Ankalaev and Guskov.
- Associated Press - result of the rematch between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320.
- Etihad Arena - entry rules, restrictions on bags and items, parking, public transport and accessibility.
- HOK - capacity, modular configuration and architectural features of Etihad Arena.
- Yas Island - the venue's location at Yas Bay Waterfront and practical context for visitors.