Former champion bounces back with TKO win at UFC Abu Dhabi

Magomed Ankalaev’s bid to turn into a two-time UFC champion began on Saturday night.

The previous light heavyweight titleholder returned to the cage for the primary time since losing his belt to Alex Pereira at UFC 320 last October.

Khalil Rountree Jr. was imagined to be his comeback opponent, but an injury killed their UFC Abu Dhabi matchup.

Bogdan Guskov stepped in on late notice to face Magomed Ankalaev, who scored a TKO win within the fifth round of their foremost event on the Etihad Arena within the United Arab Emirates.

Will Magomed Ankalaev ever hold UFC gold again? 👑

The UFC Abu Dhabi headliner was light heavyweight champion for just 7 months 😳

How Magomed Ankalaev beat Bogdan Guskov

Not rather a lot happened in round one. The UFC Abu Dhabi headliners seemed content to take a seat within the striking range and take a look at to land pop shots on one another.  Neither man was effective, and the fans were booing after five minutes.

There have been more boos throughout round two, which tells you all you must learn about how Ankalaev’s comeback fight progressed.

Round three wasn’t any higher. Ankalaev chased Guskov across the Octagon but struggled to land because the fans continued to voice their displeasure.

Ankalaev modified his game plan by shooting for a takedown in the beginning of the fourth frame.

Guskov had no answer for the previous 205lb king on the ground. Ankalaev jumped on his back and threatened with a rear-naked choke submission attempt.

Ankalaev finished the round by unloading strikes on Guskov and taking the mount position.

Guskov threatened with a choke attempt when Ankalaev shot for a takedown in the beginning of round five, nevertheless it wasn’t long until he was getting mauled on the mat again.

Ankalaev kept dropping ground and pound until referee Marc Goddard waved off the UFC Abu Dhabi foremost event.

Who else fought at UFC Abu Dhabi?

Magomed Ankalaev def. Bogdan Guskov via TKO in round 5

Ramazan Temirov def. Steve Erceg via TKO in round 1

Magomed Zaynukov def. Damian Rzepecki via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Rizvan Kuniev def. Tyrell Fortune via TKO in round 3

Abubakar Vagaev def. Saygid Izagakhmaev via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Valter Walker def. Thomas Petersen via submission in round 1

Muhammad Saidov def. Dustin Jacoby via TKO in round 2

Sam Patterson def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via TKO in round 2

Axel Sola def. Ismael Bonfim via submission in round 1

Magomed Tuchalov def. Brendson Ribeiro via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Nurullo Aliev def. Mike Davis via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Abdul Hussein def. Cody Gibson via submission in round 3