UFC adds 2 bouts to UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr. in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: The UFC, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has announced two additional bouts for UFC Fight Night: Ankalaev vs. Rountree Jr., taking place on Saturday, July 25, at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.

Making his highly anticipated UFC debut, lightweight Magomed “Chanco” Zaynukov (8-0), from Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, faces fellow undefeated lightweight Damian Rzepecki (10-0), fighting out of Poland.

An accomplished Muay Thai fighter, Zaynukov earned his UFC contract with a unanimous decision victory on Dana White’s Contender Series and now looks to extend his unbeaten record against the Polish prospect, who has recorded nine finishes in 10 professional victories.

Also added is a welterweight contest between Santiago Ponzinibbio (31-9), from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Sam Patterson (13-2), fighting out of Watford, England.

Returning to Abu Dhabi for the first time since competing in 2021, Ponzinibbio looks to add another statement victory to his resume, while Patterson aims to build on his recent momentum after winning four of his last five UFC appearances.

The event is headlined by former UFC light-heavyweight champion and No. 1-ranked Magomed Ankalaev (21-2-1), from Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, taking on No. 5-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. (15-7, 1 no contest), fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada.

The clash is a pivotal light-heavyweight showdown, with the winner looking to move one step closer to a UFC title opportunity.