Morning Report | Chris Weidman says Magomed Ankalaev not to blame for UFC Abu Dhabi fiasco: ‘I think it was Guskov’s fault’
MMA Fighting • • sports
Key Points:
- Magomed Ankalaev won the UFC Abu Dhabi main event against Bogdan Guskov via fifth-round TKO after a largely uneventful fight marked by minimal engagement from both fighters.
- The bout was widely criticized by fans and fighters for its lack of excitement, with many targeting Ankalaev’s performance, though UFC Hall of Famer Chris Weidman defended him, attributing the slow pace to Guskov’s reluctance to engage.
- Weidman praised Ankalaev’s wrestling and strategic pacing over five rounds, emphasizing that Ankalaev dominated and finished a dangerous opponent despite the fight’s perceived dullness.
- Ankalaev acknowledged the criticism and blamed Guskov’s unwillingness to fight actively, while Weidman suggested a high-profile matchup against former champion Jiri Prochazka as a potential exciting next fight.
- The discussion around Ankalaev’s future and title contention continues among analysts and fans, with some questioning if he has done enough to secure another title shot following this performance.
