Bogdan Guskov vows rematch after UFC Abu Dhabi stoppage loss

Bogdan Guskov broke his silence less than 24 hours after dropping a fifth-round stoppage to Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.

The Uzbek heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight posted a video message to his Instagram Story on Sunday, telling supporters he has no plans to step away from the sport. "I can say for certain Captain Uzbekistan never gives up," Guskov said in Uzbek, according to MMA Mania. "We'll meet again."

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Short-notice gamble ends four-fight finish streak

Guskov took the Ankalaev fight on brief notice and saw his winning run snapped at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The No. 9-ranked 205-pounder had officially drawn with Jan Blachowicz at UFC 323 last December but rattled off four straight stoppage wins before that, including finishes of Nikita Krylov, Billy Elekana, and Ryan Spann.

The loss moved Guskov to 18-4-1 overall. All 18 of his pro wins have come by finish — 15 knockouts and three submissions. MMA Mania noted the main event likely enters the conversation for worst fight of the year, but stepping in against a former champion offered Guskov more upside than risk.

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A matchup with another ex-titleholder at a different weight class could be next. Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion who has competed as high as 205 pounds earlier in his career, was floated as a potential opponent by the outlet.

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• MMA Mania — Bogdan Guskov issues quick response to main event UFC Abu Dhabi stoppage loss – ‘We’ll meet again’