Ankalaev, Joshua, Tszyu: Matches to Make After UFC Abu Dhabi

Magomed Ankalaev stopped Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, capping a weekend that saw major action across UFC, PFL, and boxing. The Russian heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight landed a technical knockout at Etihad Arena, but the win may not be enough to earn him another title shot just yet.

According to MMAmania.com, Ankalaev should face Khalil Rountree Jr. next — the same opponent he was originally scheduled to meet before an injury forced Rountree out. Guskov stepped in on short notice and absorbed punishment for four and a half rounds before the finish. The performance lacked the dominance UFC matchmakers typically require for a championship eliminator. A decisive win over Rountree could change that calculation.

Joshua and Tszyu Set Up Big-Name Fights

Anthony Joshua survived two first-round knockdowns against Kristian Prenga in Jeddah before rallying to knock out the Albanian in the second. The scare raised questions about Joshua's durability, but the win keeps his planned bout with Tyson Fury on track for later this year. Fury beat Mariusz Wach on the same card, clearing his side of the matchup.

Tim Tszyu dominated Errol Spence Jr. in Sydney, handing the former welterweight kingpin just his second career loss by unanimous decision. Tszyu has won three straight and told reporters he wants a shot at WBA middleweight champion Erislandy Lara, who carries a 32-3-3 record with seven straight victories. After dismantling Spence, Tszyu may get that opportunity.

At PFL Washington, Thad Jean claimed the vacant welterweight title with a technical knockout of substitute Ernesto Rodriguez. Jean was originally set to fight Shamil Musaev before the Russian withdrew for undisclosed reasons. The logical next step is rebooking Jean against Musaev to settle the division. Jean defends the belt on a date to be announced.

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• MMA Mania — Matches to make after busy combat sports weekend including UFC, PFL and boxing