UFC announces duel between "sons of Poatan" and return of Khabib's cousin; check it out.

Ankalaev focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

The world's largest MMA organization brought very interesting news to sports fans on Monday morning (1). In a post on social media, the Ultimate announced two breathtaking duels in UFC Abu Dhabi, scheduled for July 25th. In the main fight, Magomed Ankalayev returns to the octagon after a tough loss to Alex Poatán and faces another old rival of the Brazilian: Khalil rountree Jr, in a match valid for the light heavyweight category (up to 93 kg).

See too

VIDEO: Former UFC fighter Darren Till gets a scare from reality TV star, but knocks her out in his bare-knuckle boxing debut.

Former UFC champion joins Josh Hokit in feud with Topuria and Poatan: 'He's right'

Vitor Petrino explains 'beef' with Valter Walker in the UFC: 'Let's fight'

While the Russian experienced the bitterness of a knockout defeat for the first time in his rematch with the Brazilian, the American is also not having the best moment in his career. He last fought in October of last year, when he was involved in a war with... Jiri Prochazka and ended up being brutally knocked out in the third round.

Headliners are set! 👊@AnkalaevM vs Khalil rountree Jr@UNmgdv vs David Martinez#UFCAbuDhabi LIVE JULY 25 on @ParamountMore!

[ @VisitAbuDhabi | #inAbuDhabi | #VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/bwT2y3PqRv

- UFC (@ufc) June 1, 2026

The duel took on greater significance with the Brazilian's move up to heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) and the serious injury suffered by Carlos UlbergRanked first and fifth in the category, the winner should become the main contender for the number one contender spot. Furthermore, neither of them has had the opportunity to face the new champion.

In addition to Poatan's "children," Khabib's cousin also returns.

Umar promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

However, besides the main duel, another announcement also caught the attention of fans, but perhaps not for the best reasons. Ranked second in the bantamweight division (up to 61,2 kg) and coming off victories against... mario bautista e Deiveson Figueiredo, Umar Nurmagomedov will face David Martinez, currently ranked ninth. Undefeated in the UFC, the Mexican fighter is on a three-fight winning streak and could jump the queue in the title race with another victory.