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MMA·ANALYSIS·July 26, 2026 05:53 PM ET

Cormier calls Ulberg-Ankalaev a realistic next UFC title fight

Ankalaev's win moved his record to 22-2-1

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 261 min read
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Daniel Cormier thinks Carlos Ulberg vs. Magomed Ankalaev is a realistic next UFC title fight. https://t.co/0MTzwe1qOq Via @MMAJunkie on X

What happened: Ankalaev submitted Bogdan Guskov at 2:41 of Round 5 in the Etihad Arena main event. Ulberg won the vacant light heavyweight belt in April with a first-round knockout.

Why it matters: The victory returned Ankalaev to the title picture after he lost the belt last October. A booking would give Ulberg his first defense against the UFC's No. 1-ranked contender.

By the numbers: Ankalaev is 22-2-1 and Ulberg is 15-1, giving the potential matchup a combined record of 37-3-1.

What to watch: UFC's choice for Ulberg's first title defense is the next development to watch.

Sources

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