Ankalaev vs. Rountree headlines UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25

Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr. will meet in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25, with Umar Nurmagomedov and David Martinez set to clash in the co-main event.

Ankalaev enters the light heavyweight contest as one of the division's most dangerous contenders, though his verified fighter data was not included in the available records for this report. Rountree, ranked seventh at 185 pounds, is a 36-year-old southpaw standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach. He carries a 15-7 record and brings relentless forward pressure, landing 3.88 significant strikes per minute. His pure striking approach is underlined by a takedown rate of zero per 15 minutes, making him an all-or-nothing offensive threat on the feet.

In the co-main event, Nurmagomedov puts his number-two bantamweight ranking on the line against the unheralded Martinez. The 30-year-old Russian, fighting out of Eagles MMA, holds a 20-1 record and is one of the most well-rounded fighters in the 135-pound division. He lands 3.86 significant strikes per minute at a 56 percent accuracy rate and adds 4.03 takedowns per 15 minutes, giving opponents almost no safe ground to operate from. His opponent, David Martinez — known as the Black Spartan — is a 27-year-old from Mexico with a 14-1 record and real finishing instincts. Fighting out of Bonebreakers MMA, the five-foot-five orthodox striker produces an eye-catching 4.82 significant strikes per minute, though his 46 percent accuracy suggests volume is a core part of his game.

Why it matters

• Rountree's light heavyweight bout carries rankings implications that could shift the division's top-ten picture heading into the second half of 2026.
• Nurmagomedov's status as the second-ranked bantamweight means a Martinez upset would immediately elevate the Mexican prospect into title contention.
• The Nurmagomedov versus Martinez matchup pits contrasting styles against each other: elite wrestling and accuracy against high-volume forward striking.