UFC Fight Night 282 is scheduled for Saturday, July 25 and will take place at the Etihad Arena, Yas Island, United Arab Emirates.
The fight card will consist of 13 total fights across the Preliminary Card and the Main Card, which will feature a Main Event in the UFC Light Heavyweight division between #1-ranked Magomed Ankalaev and #9-ranked Bogdan Guskov.
The Preliminary Card is expected to begin at 9:00 AM ET and will be followed by the Main Card at approximately 12:00 PM ET. Further, UFC Fight Night 282 will be available to stream through Paramount+.
Our article will preview the UFC Fight Night 282 Main Event between Ankalaev and Guskov by providing our two best bets. Additionally, we have included the current betting odds for this Main Event.
Ankalaev vs. Guskov betting picks and predictions
Guskov ML (+400)
Our best bet for the UFC Fight Night 282 Main Event will look for Guskov to pull off the massive upset.
Guskov enters this fight with an MMA record of 18-3-1 and 4-1-1 in the UFC. His most recent UFC fight ended in a draw against Jan Blachowicz back in December 2025.
Guskov’s fighting style also revolves around his striking, as he is averaging 4.57 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 55%.
Ankalaev enters this fight with an MMA record of 21-2-1 and 12-2-1 in the UFC. His most recent UFC fight resulted in a loss to Alex Pereira by KO/TKO back in October 2025.
Throughout his UFC career, Ankalaev’s fighting style has mostly been striking, as he is averaging 3.65 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 52%. This is compared to his grappling, where he averages 0.79 takedowns every 15 minutes. To go along with this, Ankalaev has a takedown accuracy of 22%, but has a takedown defense of 87%.
Even though Ankalaev is the overwhelming favorite, Guskov looks to be a solid betting option to pull off the upset. It should be noted that Guskov has not nearly had as much experience in the UFC compared to Ankalaev. Despite that, Guskov has the clear edge in striking volume.
Furthermore, all of Guskov’s wins in the MMA have come by either KO/TKO or Submission. Facing Ankalaev will no doubt be Guskov’s toughest career fight, but given his striking power and ability to finish a fight at any point, backing Bogdan Guskov to win will be our best bet for Saturday.
Over 1.5 Total Rounds (-170)
Our second pick for this Main Event will look for this fight to go over 1.5 total rounds. There is no question that both Ankalaev and Guskov have a ton of power. In fact, Ankalaev has seen 12 of his 22 career MMA fights end inside the distance, while Guskov has seen 20 of his 22 career MMA fights do the same.
That said, Ankalaev has seen eight of his last nine UFC fights go over 1.5 total rounds, as have three of Guskov's last four UFC fights.
There is sure to be plenty of fireworks in this fight; however, given that both Ankalaev and Guskov have been able to survive multiple rounds in the majority of their recent UFC fights, backing Over 1.5 Total Rounds will be our best bet.
Ankalaev vs. Guskov odds
Magomed Ankalaev | Bogdan Guskov | |
Moneyline | -550 | +400 |
By Decision or Technical Decision | +325 | +1250 |
By KO, TKO, or DQ | -150 | +650 |
By Submission | +750 | +3000 |
Total Rounds | Over | Under |
1.5 | -170 | +135 |
2.5 | +115 | -145 |
3.5 | +172 | -225 |
4.5 | +230 | -310 |
Fight to Go the Distance | Yes | No |
+255 | -350 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
