Magomed Ankalaev appears to have his next fight date and opponent confirmed.
Ankalaev’s last appearance was in October 2025 at UFC 320, where his first light heavyweight title defense concluded with a devastating first-round TKO loss to Alex Pereira in their rematch. Following this defeat, it was revealed that the 33-year-old Russian had competed with a broken rib, which he aggravated during the bout. He was sidelined for recovery, but after a nine-month hiatus, Ankalaev is now slated for a return to the Octagon.
Magomed Ankalaev Targeted to Fight Khalil Rountree Jr. in UFC Abu Dhabi Main Event
Magomed Ankalaev is reportedly being targeted for a comeback fight against former light heavyweight title contender Khalil Rountree Jr. This matchup is expected to headline a UFC Abu Dhabi event scheduled for July 25th at the Etihad Arena in the United Arab Emirates. The potential bout was initially reported by VestnikMMA on X.
Ankalaev, a former 205-pound champion, also seemed to hint at the fight’s confirmation through several social media posts. Before his loss to Alex Pereira, Ankalaev was on an impressive 14-fight undefeated streak, notably defeating “Poatan” by unanimous decision to capture the light heavyweight title at UFC 313 in March 2025. His current UFC record stands at 12-2-1 with one no-contest, and he boasts significant victories over opponents like Aleksandar Rakić, Johnny Walker, and Thiago Santos.
Meanwhile, Khalil Rountree Jr. is preparing to compete again following a knockout loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320. Prior to that setback, “The War Horse” had bounced back from his loss to Pereira at UFC 307 with a dominant, one-sided unanimous decision win over Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku in June of the previous year. Rountree Jr.’s UFC record is 10 wins, 7 losses, and one no-contest, with notable wins against Anthony Smith, Dustin Jacoby, and Gokhan Saki.