Daniel Cormier feels Magomed Ankalaev may have clinched title shot after UFC Abu Dhabi finish: “The light heavyweight division is in a weird place”

Daniel Cormier wouldn’t be surprised if Magomed Ankalaev is Carlos Ulberg’s first challenger.

Ankalaev fought Bogdan Guskov in the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner this past Saturday. Ankalaev was initially expected to face Khalil Rountree, but the dangerous striker had to pull out of the fight due to an injury. Guskov couldn’t make it to the final horn as Anakalev scored a fifth-round TKO victory.

Having been a former UFC champion, Ankalaev’s win could open the door for another title bout. In a post-fight reaction video posted on his YouTube channel, Cormier said that recent movement in the 205-pound weight class might increase Ankalaev’s chances of facing the champion Ulberg next (h/t MMAJunkie).

“The light heavyweight division is in a weird place right now because it’s got a new champion,” Cormier said. “Alex Pereira is up at heavyweight. Jamahal Hill is up at heavyweight. So a lot of the guys that have fought for the belt are out of the weight class and we haven’t seen as many young challengers show themselves to be ready.

“Ankalaev getting that finish might have legitimately gotten him another opportunity to fight for the UFC championship against the new champion, Carlos Ulberg, when he comes back. He says he wants to be back early next year.”

Ulberg was interviewed by UFC on Paramount+ after Ankalaev’s win over Guskov in the curtain closer for UFC Abu Dhabi. The reigning light heavyweight champion said he saw everything he needed out of Ankalaev on fight night. “Black Jag” also said he hopes to return to action in early 2027.

Back in April, Ulberg suffered a torn ACL in his title win against Jiri Prochazka. Fans have discussed whether or not the UFC brass should book an interim title fight before Ulberg makes his return. Former middleweight contender Paulo Costa has made the jump to light heavyweight, and he’s been calling for an interim title fight.

Do you agree with Daniel Cormier on Magomed Ankalaev possibly being called on for the next UFC light heavyweight title fight? Join in on the conversation in the comments below.