Magomed Ankalaev, the Russian light heavyweight contender, is being steered toward a potential bout with Paulo Costa by his manager, Ali Abdelaziz. Ankalaev recently secured a TKO victory over Bogdan Guskov in the fifth round at UFC Abu Dhabi in July. The win put Ankalaev in prime position for a title shot. Were it not for the fact that current champion Carlos Ulberg is sidelined until 2027 after undergoing ACL surgery. With the division in flux, Ankalaev’s manager is making noise for a matchup with Costa. Costa, a former title contender in the middleweight division.
Abdelaziz sees a chance for Ankalaev to gain momentum
In an interview with MMAjunkie.com, Ali Abdelaziz laid out his case for Ankalaev versus Costa. He said the fight could serve as a stepping stone for a title opportunity. “Paulo Costa said a lot of reckless things,” Abdelaziz said. “But he gets people’s attention in a way that isn’t harmful.” He added, “He’s witty, he’s a real fighter.” The manager argued that the matchup — whether for an interim title or for position — is in line with what both fighters and the UFC want. Abdelaziz also claimed the fight has been offered to Ankalaev three times. He is puzzled as to why it hasn’t materialized.
Ankalaev’s title win and immediate loss complicate the path
Ankalaev previously captured the UFC 205 lbs title in March 2025. He beat Alex Pereira via unanimous decision. But in what has become a recurring theme, he lost the belt in the very next fight. Pereira knocked him out in the first round at UFC 320 in October 2025. While that was a major setback, Pereira has since moved to the heavyweight division. This removes a roadblock for Ankalaev. But there’s another issue at hand: Ankalaev’s fights, while often decisive, tend to be slow and methodical. They are not the kind of action that excites fans the way the UFC often thrives on.
Ankalaev’s latest win over Guskov, though decisive, was not the kind of fireworks that set the crowd alight. That kind of reception, while not necessarily hurting his standing, may have given UFC decision-makers pause. But regardless of whether it’s Costa, Jiri Prochazka, or Khalil Rountree Jr., Ankalaev’s path back to a title shot is short — one win away, as it stands.
Abdelaziz has been particularly vocal in pushing for a fight between Ankalaev and Costa. He highlighted the potential for both fighters to gain momentum in the division. The idea is that a win for Ankalaev against Costa would not only solidify his standing among the top contenders but also give him a clearer path. He would have a clearer path to the eventual title fight once Ulberg returns. Abdelaziz sees Costa as more than just a loudmouth. He noted that his charisma and competitiveness make him a serious contender. This is despite the public perception.
The manager also hinted that the UFC has already expressed interest in the fight, and that the three offers to Ankalaev are a sign that the matchup is something the organization sees value in. However, the fight hasn’t materialized, and Abdelaziz is questioning the reasoning behind the delay. He believes the opportunity is there, and he’s not the only one. Fans and analysts are also eager to see how the two fighters match up, especially given Ankalaev’s recent performance and Costa’s reputation.
Ankalaev’s journey in the UFC has been defined by a mix of success and setbacks. After his title win in 2025, the loss in his title defense to Pereira left many wondering about his staying power in the division. But with Pereira’s departure to the heavyweight ranks, the door is open for Ankalaev to reclaim his position as one of the top contenders. His manager’s pitch for a fight with Costa is a calculated move, one that could either propel him to a title shot or test his readiness for the next level.