Vagaev vs Gasanov UFC bout shows importance of connections in MMA signings

The post analyzes how Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov secured UFC contracts through high-profile connections, marking a shift from ACA's previous history with UFC signings. The author suggests Khamzat Chimaev signed Vagaev while Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev were behind Gasanov's signing, possibly as part of negotiations. The potential matchup between the two fighters is welcomed, though the author notes it will likely be a three-round prelim bout rather than receiving the attention it deserves. The post questions how UFC will treat these fighters long-term and whether they will be promoted or deliberately kept outside the top 15. Despite expected social media buzz, the author observes that MMA fights rarely achieve true mainstream popularity in Russia.