
Digest
“If Guskov Is 100% Ready, Ankalaev Will Have Problems” — Fedor Ryzhov on Former MMA Series Fighters Competing at UFC Abu Dhabi
July 16, 2026

UFC heavyweight Shamil Gaziev could make his next Octagon appearance on Aug. 22 at UFC Fight Night 285 in Sacramento. According to multiple credible sources, the Dagestan-born fighter, who represents Bahrain, is expected to face American heavyweight Kennedy Nzechukwu.
Gaziev, 36, enters the matchup on a two-fight skid. In his most recent outings, he suffered stoppage losses to Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Brando Pericic. Before joining the UFC, Gaziev competed across several promotions, including in Russia, where he picked up two wins under the MMA Series banner.
Nzechukwu, 34, is also winless in his past two fights. The American was submitted by Valter Walker via heel hook before fighting Marcus Almeida to a draw.