ACA light heavyweight champion Muslim Magomedov (16-0, 13-0 ACA) gave an interview addressing several topics. He discussed his reaction to former sparring partner Elmar Gasanov (12-1, 6-1 ACA) challenging him for the title, indicating he is not pleased with the matchup. Magomedov also provided his prediction for the upcoming Alex Pereira vs. Francis Ngannou fight and discussed a finger injury he sustained. He confirmed he has no desire to move to the UFC at this time, preferring to remain with ACA.
ACA light heavyweight champion Muslim Magomedov sat down for a wide-ranging interview this week, touching on his upcoming title defense against a familiar face, a personal injury update, and his future plans in the sport.
Magomedov carries a perfect 16-0 professional record, going 13-0 inside the ACA, where he holds the light heavyweight championship. His challenger, Elmar Gasanov, enters the fight at 12-1 overall and 6-1 in ACA competition. The two men have history outside of competition — Gasanov is a former sparring partner of the champion — and Magomedov made clear he is not comfortable with the pairing, expressing displeasure at the prospect of facing someone from his own training circle.
Magomedov also addressed a finger injury he sustained, though he confirmed the title defense remains on course. Additionally, the champion offered his prediction for the high-profile clash between UFC light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira and Francis Ngannou. Pereira, 38, holds a 13-4 record and is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion. The Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy. Ngannou, also 38 and from Cameroon, carries an 18-3 record and is currently ranked twelfth in the pound-for-pound standings, standing six-foot-four with an 83-inch reach.
On the subject of a potential UFC move, Magomedov was direct: he has no interest in leaving ACA at this time and intends to remain with the organization.
Why it matters
- Magomedov defending his perfect record against a former training partner adds an unusual personal dimension to the title fight
- Gasanov's 6-1 ACA run makes him a credible challenger with genuine organizational experience
- Magomedov's public comments on the Pereira-Ngannou fight signal his awareness of the broader light heavyweight landscape
- His stated commitment to ACA removes him from UFC speculation for now, keeping the title picture within the promotion clear
