Ankalaev Open To Costa Fight If Ulberg Sidelined

Magomed Ankalaev is willing to face Paulo Costa while UFC heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from injury.

Ankalaev stopped Bogdan Guskov in five rounds at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, rebounding from his championship loss to Alex Pereira at UFC 320. The Dagestani fighter now sits as the top contender in a division waiting on Ulberg, who tore his ACL and is targeting an early 2027 return.

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Ankalaev Responds To Costa's Callout

Costa has pushed for an interim title fight during Ulberg's absence. At the UFC Abu Dhabi post-fight press conference, Ankalaev addressed the Brazilian's recent comments. "I'm already the No. 1 contender, but as we know in this division right now our champion is hurt," he told reporters, per MMA Fighting. "If it is indeed that the champion's going to be out for a little while, then potentially maybe we can have a good fight with Costa, unless he's going to be running away."

Costa returned to heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight in April with a third-round head kick stoppage of Azamat Murzakanov. The former middleweight title challenger has won two straight and believes the move up will finally land him UFC gold.

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Whether the UFC books an interim title fight before Ulberg returns remains unclear. Ankalaev fights next at a date to be determined.

Original reporting:

• bjpenn.com — Magomed Ankalaev wouldn't mind fighting Paulo Costa if Carlos Ulberg remains sidelined: "Unless he's going to be running away" | BJPenn.com