Magomed Ankalaev dominates Bogdan Guskov in bounce-back win - ESPN

In his first appearance since losing the UFC's light heavyweight championship in October, Magomed Ankalaev looked as dominant as ever Saturday — and will now wait to see if it's enough for a title shot.

Ankalaev (22-2-1) completely outclassed Bogdan Guskov (18-4-1) in a fifth-round stoppage in the main event of UFC Fight Night at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The finish came at 2:41 of the final round, when Guskov basically surrendered and covered up from strikes on the ground. It was a much-needed result for Ankalaev, who is seeking not only a shot to reclaim his belt but an eventual third fight against former champion Alex Pereira, who knocked him out in October.

«I was out for a long time, [but] now I'm back and I'm going to start my hunt for the thing I lost,» Ankalaev said through an interpreter.

The 205-pound contest was never competitive, and it probably would have ended sooner had Guskov been willing to engage. The Uzbekistani took the bout on short notice, after Ankalaev's original opponent, Khalil Rountree Jr., withdrew due to injury. Guskov accepted the challenge, but he didn't appear to do much of anything with the opportunity.

He constantly circled away from Ankalaev, preventing any real striking exchanges. When Ankalaev decided to wrestle in the fourth and fifth rounds, he offered very little resistance in either defending takedowns or working back to his feet. At one point, his own corner pleaded with him not to give up. He was out-struck 122-42, according to UFC Research.

«He wasn't engaging in the striking,» Ankalaev acknowledged. «I was trying to find him but he kept getting away. I've said this before, when a striker comes out against me in a fight, I have to go hunt and find them.»