The UFC heads back to Abu Dhabi this Saturday with an intriguing Fight Night card headlined by former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev taking on hard-hitting contender Bogdan Guskov. While the main event changed after a late replacement, the card still offers plenty of betting value, particularly on the main card.

Below are our favorite bets, matchup breakdowns, player props, and parlays for this weekend's UFC action.

Main Card Odds & Predictions

Magomed Ankalaev (-500) vs. Bogdan Guskov (+400)

Light Heavyweight Main Event

Pick: Magomed Ankalaev by Decision

Ankalaev enters as one of the biggest favorites on the card, and for good reason. He's one of the UFC's most technically complete light heavyweights, combining elite kickboxing with underrated wrestling and exceptional fight IQ.

Guskov possesses genuine knockout power and has looked dangerous throughout his UFC run, but this is a massive step up in competition on short notice.

Expect Ankalaev to avoid prolonged exchanges, utilize leg kicks, control distance, mix in takedowns when necessary, and cruise to a comfortable decision.

Best Bet:

Ankalaev by Decision (+120 to +150)

Fight Goes Over 4.5 Rounds

Steve Erceg vs. Ramazan Temirov

Flyweight

Pick: Steve Erceg Moneyline

Erceg has already proven he belongs among the elite flyweights. His striking is clean, his cardio is outstanding, and he rarely makes major mistakes.

Temirov is explosive early but tends to slow if opponents survive the opening rounds.

If Erceg avoids the early power shots, his volume and experience should take over.

Lean: Erceg by Decision.

Islam Dulatov vs. Wellington Turman

Middleweight

Pick: Islam Dulatov

Dulatov has quickly become one of the more exciting prospects in the division. His pressure, athleticism and finishing ability make him a difficult matchup for Turman.

Turman is durable but has struggled against aggressive pressure fighters.

Best Bet:
Dulatov Inside the Distance.

Rizvan Kuniev vs. Tyrell Fortune

Heavyweight

Pick: Rizvan Kuniev

Heavyweight fights are always volatile, but Kuniev's wrestling gives him a clear path to victory.

Fortune owns knockout power but has shown vulnerability when forced to defend repeated takedowns.

Expect Kuniev to dictate where the fight takes place.

Abubakar Vagaev vs. Saygid Izagakhmaev

Welterweight

Pick: Abubakar Vagaev

This should be a grappling-heavy contest between two accomplished wrestlers.

Vagaev appears slightly more polished technically and has the conditioning advantage over three rounds.

Don't expect fireworks, but Vagaev should control enough positions to earn a decision.

Best Bets of the Night

⭐ Ankalaev by Decision

⭐⭐ Steve Erceg Moneyline

⭐⭐ Islam Dulatov Inside the Distance

⭐⭐ Rizvan Kuniev Moneyline

Best Prop Bets

Ankalaev by Decision

Excellent value compared to the steep moneyline.

Erceg by Decision

Most of Erceg's biggest victories come by outpointing opponents with superior volume.

Dulatov to Win Inside the Distance

His aggressive style makes this one of the better plus-money props available.

Fight Goes the Distance

Vagaev vs. Izagakhmaev

Both fighters rely heavily on wrestling and positional control.

Same Card Parlay

Ankalaev Moneyline

Steve Erceg Moneyline

Rizvan Kuniev Moneyline

Estimated Odds: +225

Value Parlay

Ankalaev by Decision

Erceg by Decision

Dulatov Inside the Distance

Estimated Odds: +700

Longshot Lottery Ticket

Dulatov Wins by KO/TKO

Ankalaev by Decision

Erceg by Decision

Kuniev by Decision

Estimated Odds: 20/1+

Final Thoughts

While there are several competitive fights on this card, the betting strategy is straightforward: avoid laying massive chalk on Ankalaev's moneyline and instead attack the method-of-victory market for added value.

Steve Erceg remains one of the strongest straight bets on the card thanks to his experience and cardio, while Islam Dulatov offers excellent upside as a finishing prop.

Our favorite betting strategy is pairing Ankalaev, Erceg, and Kuniev in a conservative three-leg parlay while sprinkling smaller wagers on the higher-paying method-of-victory props.

As always, line shop before placing your wagers, manage your bankroll responsibly, and enjoy another exciting night inside the Octagon.

Best Bets Record

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ankalaev by Decision

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Steve Erceg Moneyline

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dulatov Inside the Distance

⭐⭐⭐ Rizvan Kuniev Moneyline