The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to hold an event in Abu Dhabi this Saturday, featuring an early morning start time for U.S. audiences. The preliminary fights are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Eastern, with the main card commencing at 12 p.m. Eastern.
Oddsmakers anticipate that nine out of the 12 scheduled fights will conclude before the final bell, with many of the competitors hailing from Eastern European and Middle Eastern regions, often due to visa considerations for fighting in the United States.
In a featured bout, Magomed Ankalaev is favored against Bogdan Guskov. While Ankalaev has demonstrated dominance, he has also faced challenges in past fights. Guskov, known for his power, is taking the fight on short notice. Oddsmakers project Guskov would need a knockout to secure a win, given Ankalaev's wrestling and boxing advantages. Despite Guskov's power punching ability and experience in Eastern European promotions, Ankalaev is expected to win by decision.
Bogdan Guskov of Uzbekistan poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on July 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Another matchup features Steve Erceg facing Ramazan Temirov. Erceg is returning to the octagon on a short turnaround after a recent fight in May, during which he absorbed a significant number of strikes. Temirov, meanwhile, returns after a 12-month suspension for a performance-enhancing drug violation. It is suggested that Temirov may be in peak physical condition for this fight. Given Erceg's quick return and the potential impact on his condition, Temirov is predicted to win.
Ramazan Temirov of Uzbekistan poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on July 24, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The full card includes several other predictions, with many anticipating finishes. Notable picks include Islam Dulatov to win in the first round against Wellington Turman, and a speculative bet on Magomed Zaynukov by submission. Rizvan Kuniev is predicted to win in over 1.5 rounds against Tyrell Fortune, while Abubakar Vagaev is favored in parlays. The fight between Valter Walker and Thomas Petersen is expected to go over 1.5 rounds, and Dustin Jacoby versus Muhammad Saidov is predicted to go to a decision. Sam Patterson is expected to win by knockout or technical knockout against Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Axel Sola is predicted to win by decision against Ismael Bonfim. Magomed Tuchalov and Brendson Ribeiro are expected to see the fight go over 0.5 rounds, while Nurullo Aliev and Mike Davis are predicted to go over 1.5 rounds for parlays. Cody Gibson is predicted to lose by knockout or technical knockout against Abdul Hussein.