Bogdan Guskov couldn’t capitalize on his short-notice opportunity against Magomed Ankalaev, but he isn’t allowing Saturday’s setback to get him down.

Guskov stood across the Octagon from Ankalaev in the UFC Abu Dhabi headliner inside Etihad Arena. Guskov had a chance to emerge as a new contender in the light heavyweight division. Ankalaev ultimately put Guskov away in the fifth round via TKO. It’s the former light heavyweight champion’s first win since losing the 205-pound gold against Alex Pereira back in Oct. 2025.

Over on his Instagram Stories, Guskov reacted to the defeat by insisting he will share the Octagon with Ankalaev again down the road.

“Hello everyone, that’s how it went today,” Guskov wrote. “I can say for certain Captain Uzbekistan never gives up. We’ll meet again.”

Guskov has gone 0-1-1 in his last two outings. It hasn’t been ideal for the Dukent native, who had been riding a four-fight winning streak prior to his majority draw against Jan Blachowicz back in late 2025. Guskov had victories over Zac Pauga, Ryan Spann, Billy Elekana, and Nikita Krylov in his winning streak, but he’ll have to start over.

Guskov will turn 34 in September, and some are wondering if the window is closing on his UFC title hopes. With recent changes to the 205-pound division, it might give Guskov one more chance to overcome his latest setback.

As for Ankalaev, he might have sealed another title shot. In a post-fight reaction video posted on his YouTube channel, Daniel Cormier shared his belief that “Big Ank” might be Carlos Ulberg’s first title challenger if “Black Jag” ends up returning in early 2027.

Whether or not the stars will eventually align for Ankalaev vs. Guskov 2 remains to be seen. For now, the two will be on different paths for their next bouts.

Where does Bogdan Guskov go from here? Can he build himself back up? Drop a comment below.