UFC Abu Dhabi Preview: Magomed Ankalaev Returns Against Bogdan Guskov

The UFC returns to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 25 with a card featuring several important matchups across the light heavyweight, flyweight and welterweight divisions.

Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev headlines the event against late replacement Bogdan Guskov after Khalil Rountree was forced to withdraw through injury. Elsewhere, Steve Erceg looks to halt the momentum of unbeaten flyweight Ramazan Temirov, while highly regarded prospect Islam Dulatov continues his rise in the UFC.

Magomed Ankalaev enters the main event looking to begin his route back towards another shot at UFC gold following last year's title defeat to Alex Pereira.

Originally scheduled to face Khalil Rountree, the former champion will now take on dangerous knockout artist Bogdan Guskov, who steps in on short notice with an opportunity to secure the biggest win of his career.

Ankalaev has built his reputation on measured striking, excellent distance management and the ability to dictate the pace of a fight. Guskov, by contrast, has earned all 18 of his professional victories by stoppage, with 13 coming in the opening round.

The matchup presents an intriguing clash between one of the division's most technically disciplined fighters and an opponent who has consistently found success through aggression and finishing ability.

The co-main event sees former title challenger Steve Erceg return against one of the flyweight division's fastest-rising contenders.

Temirov brings an 11-fight unbeaten streak into Abu Dhabi and will be looking to add the biggest name of his career to his résumé.

Erceg remains one of the division's most complete fighters, combining composed boxing with an underrated grappling game. Temirov, meanwhile, has built his success on speed, movement and explosive combinations, making this an important contest for both men as they look to climb towards title contention.

One of the card's most intriguing prospects, Islam Dulatov, meets Wellington Turman in a welterweight contest that could prove another significant step in his UFC career.

Dulatov has quickly attracted attention thanks to his size, striking and finishing ability, while Turman brings valuable UFC experience and a well-rounded grappling game.

A victory would further establish Dulatov as one of the division's emerging contenders.

The heavyweight division is also represented as Rizvan Kuniev takes on Tyrell Fortune.

Kuniev has earned a reputation for his physical style and strong clinch work, while Fortune arrives with an accomplished wrestling background and plenty of experience competing at a high level.

With both men looking to build momentum, the contest could have implications for the division's developing heavyweight picture.

While Ankalaev's return headlines the evening, UFC Abu Dhabi features several important matchups that could shape the future of multiple divisions.

Steve Erceg has the opportunity to re-establish himself among the flyweight contenders, Islam Dulatov continues his progression as one of the UFC's most promising prospects, and Bogdan Guskov has the chance to produce the biggest upset of his career against a former champion.

With title implications, rising contenders and established names all sharing the card, UFC Abu Dhabi is set to deliver another significant night for the promotion in the Middle East.