Magomed Ankalaev won't dismiss a possible collision with Paulo Costa in the near future.

Ankalaev is fresh off his fifth-round finish over Bogdan Guskov in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event this past Saturday. The former 205-pound titleholder was coming off his championship loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320. It was just the second defeat of the Dagestan bruiser's pro MMA career, but he got back on track this past Saturday.

There has been a lot of talk within the MMA community about Carlos Ulberg's return time frame and whether or not an interim title bout should take place. Ulberg is the reigning UFC light heavyweight titleholder, and he is eyeing an early 2027 return from his torn ACL. Meanwhile, Costa has been pounding the table for an interim championship fight.

During the UFC Abu Dhabi post-fight press conference, Ankalaev said that he's open to fighting Costa if Ulberg won't be returning as quickly as he hopes (via MMAFighting).

“I'm already the No. 1 contender, but as we know in this division right now our champion is hurt,†Ankalaev said. “We don't know when he's going to come back, so if he's going to take a long time to come back, I would like to stay active and I believe I saw something or heard something that Costa wrote something in my direction. I'm not sure what he was trying to say, whether he was trying to bother me or was trying to get my attention, so if it is indeed that the champion's going to be out for a little while, then potentially maybe we can have a good fight with Costa, unless he's going to be running away.â€

Costa made his successful light heavyweight return back in April. He turned in a solid performance against Azamat Murzakanov, earning a third-round TKO finish via head kick. “Borrachinha†now has two straight wins, and he's hoping that a change in weight class will lead him to his first UFC championship.

Should UFC book Magomed Ankalaev vs. Paulo Costa before the end of 2026? Should an interim title be at stake? Let us know in the comments below.

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.