Predicting Fight Night Ankalaev vs Guskov
by Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen
Sportz Nation - 7/24/2026
In our FN Du Plessis v Usman Predictions, which you can find here,
Zak went 4-2 in picks with 3 methods for 7 points.
Points To Date:
Zak: 137 (91-51)
Matt: 121 (79-57)
*All odds courtesy of Caesar's Sportsbook on 7/23
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1Magomed Ankalaev vs
10Bogdan Guskov
(Ankalaev -550)
Zak Drapeau -
If Ankalaev was already a huge favorite against Rountree, he is rightfully the 5-1 favorite over Guskov on 3 weeks' notice. I still think Ankalaev is either the best or second-best Light Heavyweight in the world, along with new champ Carlos Ulberg, and this fight should be where he proves it.
The matchup is very compelling nonetheless, with Ankalaev known primarily for his kickboxing even with his wrestling background, and Guskov being an Olympic-level kickboxer himself. Both men have almost exactly the same measurables, so the playing field is level. I believe a big difference will be Guskov's changing of camps, after getting ready for Blachowicz just to now be fighting Ankalaev. That and his MUCH greater experience in big fights gives me a good idea that the favorite should walk away with the win.
Prediction: Ankalaev by Decision
Matt Hylen -
In what would have been such a coin toss in my opinion, this one is pretty straightforward to me. Magomed Ankalaev is levels above Bogdan Guskov, who is coming in on short notice anyway.
Ankalaev is a beast when he is on. He is just about as balanced a fighter as you'll see in the heavier divisions, with heavy hands and quick transitions on the ground. He has only lost to the very best, making him a problem for guys like Guskov.
As for Guskov, this is a massive opportunity for him that I think will be too much. Especially on short notice, Guskov's striking will not be able to carry him through a fight against a better striker in Ankalaev.
Prediction: Ankalaev by TKO/KO
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10Steve Erceg vs
Ramazonbek Temirov
(Pick 'Em)
Zak Drapeau -
Steve Erceg has a decent size and a decisive experience advantage in this flyweight battle, but appearances can sometimes be deceiving. Ramazan Temirov will be in his third-ever UFC fight this weekend against an experienced Erceg, who's had seven top-15 fights already.
The Uzbekistani fighter with a karate background is primarily a striker who is decent in grappling but showed relative struggles on the ground against Charles Johnson in his last fight. Erceg is probably the smart choice on paper thanks to his grappling, but I really believe Temirov is a meteor in this division. His striking and technical prowess give me the feeling that he'll keep distance and land just enough strikes to get past Erceg and finally get a ranking.
Prediction: Temirov by Decision
Matt Hylen -
I am super excited for this fight. Any fight that involves Steve Erceg, the king of the co-main event, is must-see TV.
Erceg's experience is next to none in the flyweight division. He has fought all the elite names at flyweight and has put up a good fight in each one of them. Even in the losses, he had his moments but just was not able to get the job done. With that said, Erceg is a beast on the feet with immense power for his size, which makes him a tough matchup for anyone he faces.
Erceg will have a tough mountain to climb, as Ramazonbek Temirov is a force to be reckoned with. His use of kicks to set up his punches is unique in a way that makes his style unpredictable to his opponents. His grappling will likely be a last resort, but I wouldn't be surprised if he throws a few feints in there to set up big punches.
I really like Erceg in this fight. He is on a bit of a streak after losing in his title shot; he is a very underrated fighter.
Prediction: Erceg by Decision
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Magomed Zaynukov vs
Damian Rzepecki
(Zaynukov -300)
Zak Drapeau -
For those unfamiliar, Magomed Zaynukov is the latest fighter from team Nurmagomedov to enter the UFC and is more prominently known as "John Pork". All respect to other UFC debutant Damian Rzepecki and his 10-0 record, but Zaynukov's hype entering the UFC and background from the UAE is giving off "Next Big Thing" vibes.
John Pork is a rare Muay Thai style fighter from the Khabib camp and is coming off probably the most dominant win we've ever seen in the DWCS. Rzepecki is 10-0 and a champion in his home country Poland's top promotion but has never fought anyone close to as good as Zaynukov. The real question here is by TKO or decision.
Prediction: Zaynukov by TKO
Matt Hylen -
Magomed Zaynukov is one of those fighters that everyone will know after his UFC debut. This guy is a monster; he is undefeated for a reason with such a wide range of attacking methods. His debut has been long awaited, which to me makes this the fight I am most excited for.
Zaynukov's opponent, however, Damian Rzepecki, is not an easy fight. Also undefeated, Rzepecki's style is pressure and power with great defense on the feet. So, though I think he has a future in the UFC, I just do not see anyone stopping Zaynukov from getting this win.
Prediction: Zaynukov by Submission
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8Rizvan Kuniev vs
9Tyrell Fortune
(Kuniev -330)
Zak Drapeau -
After almost a decade as one of the best heavyweights not in the UFC, Tyrell Fortune is making his second appearance in the promotion, and this time in a much tougher fight against another relative newbie, Rizvan Kuniev. Fortune is an excellent wrestler
but Kuniev has proved that his takedown defense is some of the absolute best in the entire UFC, stopping 27 of 29 takedowns attempted against him in the UFC.
So this is where we are: if Fortune's elite wrestling background can penetrate Kuniev's defense, he wins. If Kuniev is able to keep the fight standing, he should likely win, although Fortune's striking isn't too shabby either. I have to believe that Fortune gets one takedown at some point but maybe doesn't even control him for long, as Kuniev's defense and striking bring him to another decision win.
Prediction: Kuniev by Decision
Matt Hylen -
This may not be the most entertaining fight in the world, but it could still have some potential. For starters, I personally am not on the Rizvan Kuniev hype train. Sure, he has looked good in the fights he's had in the UFC, but he looks beatable on the feet if he faces a striker that's better than him. His power is legit, but his defense and cardio are extremely lackluster.
That's why I think Fortune is going to breeze past Kuniev in this fight. His debut was on very short notice, yet he still looked very effective in his game plan. I think, with a full training camp, Fortune will demonstrate his grappling much more effectively and wear out Kuniev.
Prediction: Fortune by Decision
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13Valter Walker vs
Thomas Petersen
(Walker -170)
Zak Drapeau -
Valter Walker's 4-fight Heel Hook streak is something we will never see again, and I actually believe it will not continue this weekend. Walker's jiu-jitsu is phenomenal, but Thomas Petersen's grappling is easily the best Walker has ever faced and stems from his prestigious college wrestling career.
This fight should really show if Walker's jiu-jitsu is still elite when he's on his back, as I think we will see Petersen go for at least 5 takedowns throughout the fight. We'll also see if Walker can compete in a kickboxing fight and, most likely for the first time in almost two years, be in a fight that goes longer than 90 seconds. I just have a feeling this fight is a weird one, and anything can happen, so this will be my underdog pick of the week.
Prediction: Petersen by TKO
Matt Hylen -
Walker. Heel Hook. Enough said.
In all seriousness, Valter Walker should dominate this fight. Thomas Peterson is not good anywhere in my opinion, making him another victim in the inevitable Walker submission. Walker is going to dominate on the ground and capitalize on the opportunity he creates for himself due to the lack of talent Peterson possesses.
Prediction: Walker by Submission
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Ismael Bonfim vs
Axel Sola
(Sola -205)
Zak Drapeau -
Ismael Bonfim honestly has one of the best chances of anyone I've seen as a 2-1 underdog in a long time. I guess the thoughts of him now center around him getting knocked out in his last two fights, but he's still an elite grappler with a wealth of experience.
Axel Sola is no slouch, obviously, and even though he lost his last time out, it was to one of the best prospects in the entire UFC, Mason Jones. Sola has a little bit of wrestling to his game that he should no doubt leave out of the game plan due to Bonfim's jiu-jitsu and the fact that he should have a legitimate striking advantage. This one is extremely close for me to call. In the end, I like Sola's power striking more than I like Bonfim's all-around game, and even if Bonfim wins one or both of the first two rounds, I can still see Sola winning by TKO in the end.
Prediction: Sola by TKO
Matt Hylen -
This fight could be an absolute WAR. Sola is coming off one of the best fights of 2025 against Mason Jones, while Ismael Bonfim has been under the radar for a while now. Both are talented and powerful strikers, but I think Sola has an advantage in this one.
Sola's use of leg kicks is absolutely devastating if he is able to connect. They set up his grappling so nicely, which is something Bonfim has struggled to gauge in most of his fights. I think Sola will be able to take things to the ground and finish this fight in the closing stages.
Prediction: Sola by Submission
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