Magomed Ankalaev open to Paulo Costa fight next, ‘unless he’s going to be running away’

Key Points:

• UFC Abu Dhabi’s main event between Magomed Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov was criticized for being lackluster, with Ankalaev dominating a dull fight before finishing in the fifth round, drawing a cold reaction from fans and criticism from Paulo Costa on social media.
• Ankalaev, the No. 1 contender, expressed interest in fighting Costa if UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg remains sidelined due to injury, suggesting a potential matchup at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on October 24.
• Paulo Costa recently moved up to light heavyweight, securing a third-round knockout over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327, signaling his ambition to win the 205-pound title and positioning him as a key rival for Ankalaev.
• Ankalaev also mentioned the possibility of a trilogy fight with Alex Pereira, whose UFC light heavyweight title series with Ankalaev is tied 1-1, and indicated openness to Pereira returning to light heavyweight after a failed interim heavyweight title attempt.
• Both Ankalaev and Pereira have publicly expressed willingness to face each other again, with UFC reportedly supportive of making the trilogy fight happen, adding another potential high-stakes bout in the division.