Sports News Report
League: UFCSport: MMACountry: GlobalCategory: Scores & Results

Magomed Ankalaev challenges Paulo Costa to fight in Abu Dhabi this October

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 5:00 PM

Last updated Jul 26, 2026

Magomed Ankalaev challenges Paulo Costa to fight in Abu Dhabi this October
Summary

Magomed Ankalaev has called out Paulo Costa for a potential matchup in Abu Dhabi this October. After his victory over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Fight Night on July 25, Ankalaev expressed a desire to stay active while champion Carlos Ulberg recovers from injury. Costa, frustrated with his contract situation, appeared open to the bout, which both fighters believe could invigorate the light heavyweight division. Ankalaev suggested that he is ready for an exciting fight, stating his willingness to engage in a striking contest.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Ankalaev defeated Guskov by ground and pound in Abu Dhabi.
  • •He is the No. 1 contender in the light heavyweight division.
  • •Costa has expressed frustration with his contract negotiations.
  • •Ankalaev proposed October for the fight with Costa in Abu Dhabi.
  • •Both fighters seek to deliver an exciting contest to engage fans.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Magomed Ankalaev offers to ‘stand and bang’ with Paulo Costa in October
What they're saying
"

Magomed Ankalaev is already plotting his next step forward towards UFC gold. Ankalaev put in another technically solid yet underwhelming performance at UFC Abu Dhabi, gradually wearing down an avoidant Bogdan Guskov for five rounds before finishing his exhausted opponent with ground and pound (highlights here). It wasn’t the kind of fight that would mae […]

Related Teams & Leagues
UFCMMA

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days