Ankalaev’s Return to the Win Column
In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, Magomed Ankalaev secured a stoppage victory, marking his return to the win column. This was Ankalaev’s first fight since his previous loss in the UFC light heavyweight title division. Despite the win, the performance against Bogdan Guskov was described as not the most memorable in recent memory.
Following the event, discussions have emerged regarding Ankalaev’s potential for another title shot. Questions are being raised about whether he should face Carlos Ulberg upon his return, or if more work is needed before another title opportunity in the light heavyweight division.
Key Bouts and Performances
The UFC Fight Night 281 event, also known as UFC Abu Dhabi, featured several other notable matchups. In the flyweight co-main event, Ramazan Temirov delivered a brutal knockout victory over Steve Erceg. Additionally, Magomed Zaynukov made a successful debut in the UFC, with observers considering his potential in the lightweight category.
The event commenced with a bantamweight battle between Gibson and Hussein. Hussein, making his UFC debut, aimed to make a strong first impression. The fight saw moments of solid sportsmanship, with both athletes touching gloves at the start. Gibson initiated a leglock, then pressed Hussein against the wall, landing several knees to the stomach. Hussein countered with an uppercut to the jaw and applied pressure, leading to head clashes between the two fighters. Gibson landed body shots, and Hussein responded with a right hand, followed by knees to Gibson’s forehead as Gibson appeared to tire.
In the second round of their bantamweight bout, Hussein attempted a choke, but Gibson managed to escape. Hussein then secured a mount position, and although Gibson escaped again, Hussein applied a tighter brabo choke. Gibson endured this, but showed signs of fatigue. Gibson attempted to sweep Hussein, but Hussein maintained control, landing strikes. The round concluded with Gibson attempting to nullify Hussein’s offense.
The third round saw Hussein kneeing Gibson in the ribs. Gibson then exploded to his feet, but the Finnish fighter, Hussein, executed a trip, returning Gibson to the ground. Hussein positioned himself for an arm-triangle choke, applying pressure with his body weight. Gibson ultimately surrendered, giving Hussein his tenth career submission victory and extending his finish streak to nine straight wins.
Additional Fights on the Card
Another fight featured Davis against Aliev. Aliev initiated a single-leg shot, pushing Davis to his knee. Aliev then tripped Davis, putting him on his back. Davis managed to return to his feet, engaging in a standing clinch and landing shoulder strikes. Aliev focused on maintaining position, executing a double-leg takedown. Aliev then landed knees to Davis’s thigh and posterior.
Aliev continued to control Davis, briefly putting him on his back again before Davis fought back to his feet. Aliev secured another trip, and Davis established his guard, landing elbows. Aliev pursued an ankle pick, but Davis countered with elbows. Davis nearly took Aliev’s back, but Aliev twisted to regain control. Davis then attempted a triangle choke, using it to land elbows, but the round ended before he could secure the submission.
In the third round, Davis launched a barrage of punches, sensing Aliev might be slowing. Aliev responded with a single-leg shot, dragging Davis to his back. Davis repositioned himself against the fence, and Aliev landed knees, some of which were illegal but went unnoticed. Davis returned to his feet, but Aliev maintained control against the cage. Aliev then attempted to punch, but Davis countered with a quick salvo of strikes before the horn.
The fight between Aliev and Davis continued with Aliev pressing Davis against the fence, attempting to maintain position. The referee intervened when Aliev grabbed the fence. Davis took more knees to the hindquarters while attempting to elbow Aliev. Aliev continued to work for takedowns. Davis eventually used a knee to create space. Aliev then attempted to take the fight down, and Davis ended up on top. Aliev shelled up, holding Davis’s wrists, and then exploded into an armbar attempt as time expired. Aliev went the distance in this matchup, as he has in all his UFC fights.
A light heavyweight bout between Tuchalov and Ribeiro began with a cautious approach, with both fighters measuring distance using front kicks and jabs. The first minute was a stalemate. Tuchalov landed low calf kicks, while Ribeiro advanced with punches and kicked the lead leg. Tuchalov intercepted Ribeiro with a kick to the ribcage. Tuchalov faked a takedown, and Ribeiro reacted. Ribeiro then landed a right hand that echoed in the Etihad Arena.
Tuchalov continued to target the front leg, while Ribeiro responded.
Source: sports.yahoo.com