Ankalaev vs. Roundtree and Umar Nurmagomedov vs. David Martinez set for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25

UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 will be headlined by a light heavyweight showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Roundtree, with Umar Nurmagomedov and David Martinez booked in the co-main event.

Ankalaev enters the fight as the number-one ranked light heavyweight in the UFC and sits fifth on the pound-for-pound rankings. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains out of Gorets Fight Club, carries a record of 21-2-1. Standing six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach, he lands 3.65 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and adds nearly one takedown per 15 minutes of action.

Nurmagomedov, ranked second in the bantamweight division, brings a 20-1-0 record into the co-main event. The 30-year-old Russian product of Eagles MMA is a well-rounded threat, landing 3.86 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 56 percent accuracy while averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes. At five-foot-eight with a 69-inch reach, he presents a difficult stylistic puzzle for any opponent.

Standing across from him will be David Martinez, nicknamed the Black Spartan. The 27-year-old Mexican fighter out of Bonebreakers MMA holds a 14-1-0 record and brings genuine striking volume to the cage, landing 4.82 significant strikes per minute. At five-foot-five with a 67-inch reach, Martinez will carry a notable size disadvantage, and his 46 percent striking accuracy suggests he relies on output to generate offense.

Why it matters

• Ankalaev's light heavyweight ranking and pound-for-pound status mean a strong performance could position him directly back in title contention
• Nurmagomedov enters as a heavy favorite in terms of ranking and pedigree, making the outcome a key test of where Martinez fits among the division's elite
• The contrasting styles in the co-main — Nurmagomedov's grappling volume against Martinez's striking output — sets up a compelling tactical battle