Magomed Anakalev: Alex Pereira title loss ‘must have been the worst day of my life’
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Magomed Ankalaev is set to return to the octagon in 2026 at UFC Abu Dhabi, facing short-notice replacement Bogdan Guskov after losing his light heavyweight title to Alex Pereira in August.
- Ankalaev described his title loss as one of the darkest moments of his career but emphasized he has recovered mentally and physically, claiming to be in the best shape of his life.
- The loss ended Ankalaev's 14-fight unbeaten streak, but he views the setback as a necessary step to regain his dominance in the division.
- Bogdan Guskov replaced the injured Khalil Rountree Jr. and enters the fight on a five-fight unbeaten streak, having previously fought Ankalaev to a majority draw.
- Ankalaev expressed gratitude to Guskov for accepting the fight on short notice, acknowledging the uncertainty around his opponent before Guskov stepped in.
