Bogdan Guskov couldn't capitalize on his short-notice opportunity against Magomed Ankalaev, but he isn't allowing Saturday's setback to get him down.

Guskov stood across the Octagon from Ankalaev in the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner inside Etihad Arena. Guskov had a chance to emerge as a new contender in the light heavyweight division. Ankalaev ultimately put Guskov away in the fifth round via TKO. It's the former light heavyweight champion's first win since losing the 205-pound gold against Alex Pereira back in Oct. 2025.

Over on his Instagram Stories, Guskov reacted to the defeat by insisting he will share the Octagon with Ankalaev again down the road.

“Hello everyone, that's how it went today,†Guskov wrote. “I can say for certain Captain Uzbekistan never gives up. We'll meet again.â€

Guskov has gone 0-1-1 in his last two outings. It hasn't been ideal for the Dukent native, who had been riding a four-fight winning streak prior to his majority draw against Jan Blachowicz back in late 2025. Guskov had victories over Zac Pauga, Ryan Spann, Billy Elekana, and Nikita Krylov in his winning streak, but he'll have to start over.

Guskov will turn 34 in September, and some are wondering if the window is closing on his UFC title hopes. With recent changes to the 205-pound division, it might give Guskov one more chance to overcome his latest setback.

As for Ankalaev, he might have sealed another title shot. In a post-fight reaction video posted on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier shared his belief that “Big Ank†might be Carlos Ulberg's first title challenger if “Black Jag†ends up returning in early 2027.

Whether or not the stars will eventually align for Ankalaev vs. Guskov 2 remains to be seen. For now, the two will be on different paths for their next bouts.

Where does Bogdan Guskov go from here? Can he build himself back up? Drop a comment below.

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.â€

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.

Steve Erceg has updated fans after face planting during the UFC Abu Dhabi co-main event.

Erceg was looking to extend his winning streak to three when he collided with Ramazan Temirov this past Saturday. “Astro Boy†got dropped with a right hand in the opening frame, and Temirov never took his foot off the gas. Eventually, Temirov caught him on the chin a few more times and Erceg was dropped again to seal the deal.

In a video update posted on his Instagram page, Erceg told fans that he's in good health following the rough knockout loss (via Bloody Elbow).

“Hey guys, just wanted to check in and let you know that I'm okay,†Erceg said. “I had a great camp, felt fantastic, but unfortunately things don't always go your way. First of all, thank you to the UFC for all the opportunities you've afforded me. Thank you to Abu Dhabi for the hospitality, and congratulations to Sharabutdin on a great fight. Lastly, I'd like to say to all my family and friends that your continuous support means the world.

“I'll be back. Thanks.â€

This is Erceg's first loss since March 2025. He had snapped a three-fight skid with a unanimous decision over Ode Osbourne. Erceg followed that up with another decision over Tim Elliot, but he will need to get back on the horse after being stopped for the second time in his pro MMA career.

Meanwhile, Temirov continues his rise in the flyweight division. Erceg was ranked No. 13 in the Meta panel rankings and No. 10 in the media rankings prior to Saturday's loss. That means Temirov will have a number next to his name in both panels when the rankings are updated.

Where does Steve Erceg go from here? Are his hopes of reentering the UFC title picture a pipe dream, or can he overcome this latest setback? Drop your opinion in the comments below.