Magomed Ankalaev calls Bogdan Guskov a ‘tuneup’ fight at UFC Abu Dhabi: ‘This is just a fight to be back’

Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t think much of his UFC Abu Dhabi main event against Bogdan Guskov.

Ankalaev was supposed to headline the Fight Night card against Khalil Rountree, but the American was forced out of the bout due to an injury. Given that he withdrew with less than two weeks’ notice, it was hard to find an opponent, and it was Guskov who stepped up.

Although Guskov is ranked as a top-10 opponent, Ankalaev calls it a tuneup fight and more of a fight to be busy.

“This is just a fight to be back,” Ankalaev said to MMAJunkie. “It’s like a tuneup, if you want to call it. I get it with Bogdan, so to speak, because he is No. (9), so for him to get this type of opportunity, it’s definitely life-changing. It’s a huge deal. He’s gonna try to take my number and this and that, but it’s gonna be really tough for him to jump out just like that.”

As Ankalaev notes, this is a big step-up in competition for Guskov, while for the former champion, a win here doesn’t do much for him.

Magomed Ankalaev glad Bogdan Guskov took the fight at UFC Abu Dhabi

Although Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t think beating Bogdan Guskov does much for him, he is glad to fight.

Ankalaev said Guskov was the only person who immediately accepted the fight, which he is thankful for.

“Obviously I was disappointed that Khalil wasn’t able to fight,” Ankalaev said. “I was preparing for Khalil, but the fact that I got a new opponent last minute, I wasn’t really disappointed by that. In fact, it’s the opposite. I’m really happy that I have an opponent, somebody who was able to come out on such short notice and save the fight, so I’m excited. …

“Guskov is the only one who didn’t hesitate and said yes right away. I understand people. This is professional sports. This is a big deal. To come out against a current ranked No. 1 person without a preparation might be devastating to people’s careers, so I totally understand. There’s no ill will toward anybody.”

Ankalaev is fighting for the first time since he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Alex Pereira in the rematch to lose his light heavyweight title.

Do you think Magomed Ankalaev will beat Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi?