Ankalaev vs. Rountree and Umar vs. Martinez Headline UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25

UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25 has its two marquee matchups locked in, with Magomed Ankalaev set to face Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event and Umar Nurmagomedov taking on David Martinez in the co-main event.

Ankalaev enters the light heavyweight contest as one of the division's top contenders, though his verified ranking data was not included in the available records. Rountree, ranked seventh at 185 pounds, brings a punishing southpaw style to the bout. The 36-year-old carries a 15-7 record and lands 3.88 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 40 percent. Standing six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, Rountree's grappling output is essentially non-existent, making this a clear stand-and-bang proposition from his side.

In the co-main event, Umar Nurmagomedov puts his number-two bantamweight ranking on the line against the unheralded David Martinez. The 30-year-old Russian, fighting out of Eagles MMA, holds a 20-1 record and has looked dominant across multiple facets of the game, connecting on 56 percent of his significant strikes while also averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes. Standing five-foot-eight with a 69-inch reach, Nurmagomedov represents a significant step up for his opponent.

Martinez, nicknamed "Black Spartan," carries a 14-1 record into the fight at just 27 years of age. The Mexican fighter trains at Bonebreakers MMA and is the more active striker on paper, averaging 4.82 significant strikes per minute, though his accuracy stands at 46 percent. At five-foot-five with a 67-inch reach, he will face a considerable size deficit against Nurmagomedov.

Why it matters

• Rountree's main event slot against a top light heavyweight contender could reshape the division's top-ten picture
• A Nurmagomedov victory would likely push him closer to a bantamweight title shot
• Martinez's high strike volume versus Nurmagomedov's elite accuracy and takedown threat sets up a sharp stylistic contrast