UFC Abu Dhabi produced 5 main card results and shifted the divisional picture at once. The UFC Abu Dhabi next fights debate starts at light heavyweight and runs through the flyweight and lightweight divisions. Here is the full breakdown of what comes next for every winner from the July 25 card.
Carlos Ulberg holds the light heavyweight title and is currently sidelined with injury. His return is not expected until early next year. That timeline shapes the most important booking on this list. Everything at 205 pounds flows from when Ulberg gets back.
Ankalaev Is Next in Line — But the Title Shot Has to Wait
Magomed Ankalaev 21-2-1 (1 NC) stopped Bogdan Guskov by TKO at 2:41 of round five in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event. It was a workmanlike performance that divided opinion online. The former light heavyweight champion moved through Guskov methodically but never looked spectacular. The win was his second in a row since losing the title to Alex Pereira.
The most logical next fight is a title shot against Carlos Ulberg. Daniel Cormier has publicly stated Ankalaev is next in line at the division. Ulberg will not return until the first quarter of next year. Khalil Rountree Jr. is the logical interim fight if the title shot requires further patience.
Temirov Destroyed Erceg in 1 Round — Now He Wants the Top Five
Ramazan Temirov knocked Steve Erceg out at 4:21 of round one in the co-main event. The Uzbek flyweight has now won 12 consecutive fights. He finished a former title challenger and backed up every expectation heading into this booking. A top-five opponent is his stated target.
The best next fight for Temirov is Asu Almabayev in the flyweight top five. That tests whether his power holds up against elite wrestling. Alexandre Pantoja and Manel Kape are both ahead of Temirov in the title queue. One more high-level win is needed before a championship shot is realistic.
Erceg Needs a Rebuild After His Most Damaging UFC Loss
Steve Erceg suffered the most damaging loss of his UFC career in Abu Dhabi. He was stopped in round one by a fighter he was expected to handle with relative comfort. After losses to Pantoja in a title fight and Kai Kara-France, this is now a third significant defeat. A return against a lower-ranked flyweight makes more sense than an immediate step back into contention.
Patterson Is Ready for a Ranked Opponent After Back-to-Back Wins
Sam Patterson stopped Santiago Ponzinibbio in round two to extend his UFC winning run. He is building real momentum in the lightweight division without a ranked name on his record yet. Joel Alvarez is the right next opponent. He is top fifteen, capable of finishing, and would give Patterson the step-up he has earned.
Axel Sola’s D’arce Choke Win Opens the Door to a Chase Hooper Fight
Axel Sola submitted Ismael Bonfim with a D’arce choke in round one to earn a lightweight top-fifteen spot. He called out Chase Hooper on social media after the win. Hooper is a grappling specialist whose submission skills make this a genuine clash of styles. It is a smart booking for both fighters at this stage.
Zaynukov Wins His Debut but Needs to Keep His Ambitions in Check
Magomed Zaynukov defeated Damian Rzepecki by unanimous decision in his UFC debut. The performance was controlled and technically sound. He called out Ilia Topuria after the fight, which is more ambition than the result demands. A second fight against a ranked lightweight is the appropriate next booking for a debutant.
FAQs
What is Ankalaev’s next fight after UFC Abu Dhabi?
Magomed Ankalaev is the leading title contender at light heavyweight after his fifth-round TKO of Bogdan Guskov. His most logical next fight is a title shot against Carlos Ulberg, but Ulberg is injured and not expected back until early 2027. Khalil Rountree Jr. is the interim option.
What is next for Ramazan Temirov after UFC Abu Dhabi?
Temirov called for a top-five flyweight opponent after stopping Steve Erceg in round one. Asu Almabayev is the most logical next fight. Alexandre Pantoja and Manel Kape are both ahead of Temirov in the title queue, meaning at least one more win is needed before a shot.
What happened to Steve Erceg at UFC Abu Dhabi?
Steve Erceg was knocked out by Ramazan Temirov in round one at 4:21 at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25. It was Erceg’s most significant loss and his third consecutive defeat after previous losses to Alexandre Pantoja in a title fight and Kai Kara-France.
What is next for Sam Patterson after UFC Abu Dhabi?
Sam Patterson stopped Santiago Ponzinibbio in round two to extend his winning streak. He has no ranked wins yet and Joel Alvarez is the suggested next fight — a top-fifteen lightweight with finishing ability who represents the step up Patterson’s current run deserves.
Conclusion
The UFC Abu Dhabi next fights picture is clearest at light heavyweight. Ankalaev is the logical title challenger when Ulberg returns. At flyweight, Temirov’s statement win needs one more result before becoming a title conversation. Patterson and Sola both earned step-up fights with their Abu Dhabi performances.
Our UFC Fight Night preview flagged the significance of this card ahead of the event. The light heavyweight picture is now the clearest it has been all year. The flyweight and lightweight divisions are both moving quickly.
