Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev isn’t taking a steep decline in competition level after losing the belt at UFC 320.

It’s been seven months since former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev lost in his rematch with Alex Pereira at UFC 320. After defeating Pereira at UFC 313 last year, Pereira got his revenge by finishing Ankalaev by TKO.

Despite losing the UFC light heavyweight title, Ankalaev has remained feisty on social media as his following clamors for his return to the Octagon. He repeatedly hinted at a return to the Octagon in July, and fans began to speculate that a matchup with former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was a possibility for both fighters.

As the UFC ramps up its summer slate, Ankalaev will face another top light heavyweight contender after Whittaker’s return was announced for the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 undercard. A win over another one of Pereira’s rivals could be enough to secure the former light heavyweight champ another title shot amidst Carlos Ulberg’s uncertain return timeline due to injury.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. set for UFC’s return to Abu Dhabi

As first reported by Vestnik MMA, a matchup between Ankalaev and former UFC title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. will headline UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25th at Etihad Arena. As of this writing, the promotion hasn’t officially announced the fight.

Rountree returns to the Octagon for the first time since a knockout loss to former champion Jiri Prochazka at UFC 320 in October. He’s lost two of his last three fights and seeks his first victory since outpointing Jamahal Hill at UFC Baku last summer.

This will mark the first non-title fight for Ankalaev since he outpointed Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308 in October 2024. Before his recent loss to Pereira, Ankalaev hadn’t lost a fight since his promotional debut against Paul Craig.

What is your prediction for Magomed Ankalaev vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.? Let us know in the comments!