Matches To Make After Busy Combat Weekend

Russia's Magomed Ankalaev reacts after winning his men's light heavyweight fight against Uzbekistan's Bogdan Guskov in the UFC Fight Night event at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on July 25, 2026. (Photo by Fadel SENNA / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images

UFC Abu Dhabi went down yesterday (Sat., July 25, 2026) inside Etihad Arena (a.k.a. Fight Island) in United Arab Emirates which saw Magomed Ankalaev stop Bogdan Guskov in the fifth and final round of their Light Heavyweight main event ( highlights ). But UFC wasn’t the only show on during a busy sports weekend that also included PFL Washington , Joshua vs. Prenga and Spence vs Tszyu .

Winner: Magomed Ankalaev

Who He Should Face Next: Khalil Rountree Jr.

Ankalaev was supposed to face Rountree at this event before “War Horse” bowed out with an injury . That allowed Bogdan Guskov to step in and fill the void, though he ultimately wound up losing via fifth-round technical knockout (TKO) . While Ankalaev did stop Guskov, his performance was not impressive enough to get him a title shot. That’s why I hope matchmakers re-book the Rountree fight. Should “Big” Ank get that win in impressive fashion, then we can talk about another title fight.

Winner: Anthony Joshua

Who He Should Face Next: Tyson Fury

Joshua survived two early knockdowns in the opening round of his big man collision against Kristian Prenga to rally in the second round and deliver a knockout blow that the towering Albanian couldn’t recover from. And it’s a good thing, too, because a loss would have likely ruined plans for “A.J.” to face Fury later this year. But, since he prevailed — as did Fury against Mariusz Wach — that fight is still good to go. Does it have the same intrigue as it would have had a few years ago? Probably not. But it’s still one to see for nostalgia.

Winner: Tim Tszyu

Who He Should Face Next: Title shot?

Tim Tszyu took care of business against Errol Spence Jr., defeating him via unanimous decision to hand “The Truth” just the second loss of his pro career. With the win, Tszyu improves his overall boxing record to 28-3 and has now won three straight and four of his last five fights. Afterward, he expressed his desire for a shot at a major world title, specificlly calling for a fight against Erislandy Lara , who is the current WBA Middleweight title holder with a record of 32-3-3, with seven straight wins in his back pocket. After beating somone like Spence Jr. rather easily, that request could very well be fulfilled.

Winner: Thad Jean

Who He Should Face Next: Shamiel Musaev

Jean was supposed to face Shamil Musaev at this event before Musaev was forced out of the PFL Washington event for unknown reasons . Stepping in to fill the void was Ernesto Rodriguez, who put up a valiant effort before ultimately coming up short in his bid to pull off the upset. Since the bout was for the vacant Welterweight title, it only makes sense for Jean to face Musaev next to settle their unfinished business.

For complete UFC Abu Dhabi results, coverage and highlights click HERE .

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: Yahoo Sports. Open at source →