Ankalaev responds to Poatan's provocation and calls for a trilogy after his UFC victory.

Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Poatan faced each other twice in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ankalaev_magomed

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Magomed Ankalaev wants to close his trilogy against Alex Poatan in the UFC octagon. Tied in their head-to-head record, the Russian was provoked about the knockout he suffered in their last encounter and, in response, suggested a third duel to end any doubt about who is the best.

In a press conference after UFC Abu Dhabi , Ankalaev mentioned the provocation made by Poatan and highlighted that, if his rival agrees to drop down a weight class for the fight, he believes the UFC would also have a great interest in promoting the bout.

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“There’s someone out there calling himself ‘Flame’ and he asked if I’m still alive. Well, if he wants to come down and accept this fight, I’m sure the UFC would also be very happy to make this fight happen,” said Magomed Ankalaev.

Magomed Ankalaev dominates Bogdan Guskov, but bores audience at UFC Abu Dhabi

Without fighting since the defeat to Alex Poatán at UFC 320, held in October 2025, Magomed Ankalayev returned to action in UFC Abu Dhabi before Bogdan GuskovDespite leaving no doubt about his superiority, the Russian failed to excite the fans.
Ankalaev controlled Guskov for four rounds with little action and, only in the fifth round, already under boos from the crowd, managed to secure a technical stoppage via ground and pound, more due to his opponent's fatigue than to the damage caused by his own strikes.

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