Magomed Ankalaev returned to the Octagon and dominated Bogdan Guskov in a fifth‑round finish at UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi. The 205-pound bout ended at 2:41 of round five when Guskov surrendered on the ground, giving Ankalaev a decisive victory. The win snapped a nine‑month layoff and positions the former champion to chase a title shot again.

The fight was one‑sided from the start. Ankalaev outstruck Guskov 122-42, and when the Russian took the fight to the mat in the fourth round, he found little resistance. Guskov’s avoidance tactics left the crowd disappointed, and his corner urged him not to give up. Ankalaev’s strategy was clear: find the caretaker, take him down, and keep the fight under control.

Ankalaev, who lost the light‑heavyweight title to Alex Pereira in October, now seeks a rematch and a potential third fight. With the current champion Carlos Ulberg out injured, the contender’s momentum could finally earn him a championship opportunity.

Ankalaev stepped in after Khalil Rountree Jr. withdrew, taking the fight on short notice. The Uzbekistani's plan to wrestle in the late rounds has been a recurring theme in his camp’s strategy.