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Magomed Ankalaev aims for Paulo Costa matchup amid title uncertainty

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 5:31 AM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Magomed Ankalaev aims for Paulo Costa matchup amid title uncertainty

Summary

Magomed Ankalaev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, is pursuing a fight against Paulo Costa for the UFC light heavyweight contender. Ankalaev recently secured a fifth-round TKO victory over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July. With current champion Carlos Ulberg sidelined until 2027 due to ACL surgery, a fight against Costa could serve as a stepping stone for Ankalaev. Abdelaziz emphasized that despite perceptions of Costa as a less serious fighter, he sees value in the matchup, potentially for an interim title. Ankalaev previously held the UFC 205 lbs title but lost it in his first defense against Alex Pereira in October 2025. With Pereira now competing at heavyweight, Ankalaev seeks to position himself for another title shot following this proposed fight.

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By the Numbers

•Ankalaev defeated Bogdan Guskov by TKO in July 2026.
•Current champion Carlos Ulberg is out until 2027 after surgery.
•Ali Abdelaziz pitches Ankalaev vs. Costa for an interim title.
•Ankalaev lost his title to Alex Pereira in October 2025.
•Pereira has moved to heavyweight, opening up title opportunities for Ankalaev.

Latest Updates

5:31 AMYahoo Sports — Magomed Ankalaev Pitched to Fight Former UFC Title Challenger

What they're saying

"
MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz wants to see his client, UFC light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev, fight Paulo Costa next.Ankalaev is coming off a fifth-round TKO win over Bogdan Guskov in his last fight at UFC Abu Dhabi in July. While that win would likely normally be enough for him to get a title shot at […] The post Magomed Ankalaev Pitched to Fight Former UFC Title Challenger appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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