Morning Report | Chris Weidman says Magomed Ankalaev not to blame for UFC Abu Dhabi fiasco: ‘I think it was Guskov’s fault’

Following a main event at UFC Abu Dhabi that has been characterized as a fiasco, Chris Weidman has publicly stated that the boring nature of the fight was not the fault of Magomed Ankalaev. According to reports from MMA Fighting and MMA Junkie, Weidman explicitly shifted the responsibility for the outcome, asserting that he believes the fault lies with Bogdan Guskov. The event in Abu Dhabi served as the headliner, but the resulting action failed to meet expectations, leading to widespread criticism of the fight's pace and engagement level. Coverage of the incident is being tracked by several prominent combat sports outlets. MMA Fighting's Morning Report highlighted Weidman's specific comments regarding Guskov's role in the lackluster performance.

Similarly, heavy.com has reported that Bogdan Guskov is being blamed for the boring nature of the UFC Abu Dhabi main event. MMA Junkie has also focused on Weidman's defense of Ankalaev, ensuring that the fighter is not held accountable for the perceived lack of action during the headlining bout. This development follows a pattern of high expectations for the UFC Abu Dhabi card, where the main event was intended to be a centerpiece of the organization's regional activity. The tension surrounding the fight's quality has prompted established figures like Weidman to weigh in on fighter performance and tactical failures. The discourse emphasizes a divide in how the combatants' strategies were perceived, with one fighter being shielded from blame while the other is singled out as the primary cause for the event's failure to excite the audience.

Looking forward, the focus shifts to Magomed Ankalaev's next move in the UFC. According to MMA Mania, Ankalaev has already offered to 'stand and bang' with Paulo Costa in a potential matchup scheduled for October. This offer suggests a desire to move away from the criticisms associated with the Abu Dhabi event by engaging in a more aggressive striking battle. Observers will be watching to see if the UFC formalizes this October clash between Ankalaev and Costa to resolve questions about Ankalaev's fighting style.