The UFC signings of Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov illustrate how connections influence roster decisions, as both fighters who rely heavily on grappling secured contracts despite UFC's typical preference against ground-heavy styles from CIS fighters. Vagaev was reportedly signed through Khamzat Chimaev's influence, while Gasanov came through Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. The post suggests possible negotiations where existing fighters leveraged their position to secure contracts for teammates. A matchup between Vagaev and Gasanov in their UFC debuts is being discussed, though details are limited. The author notes this represents a significant opportunity for both fighters to face world-class competition, but questions remain about how UFC will promote and advance them going forward.
Two grappling-heavy fighters from the CIS region have landed UFC contracts, and the path each took to get there says as much about relationships as it does about records.
Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov have both been signed to the UFC roster, with reports indicating that their routes to the promotion ran through some of the sport's most influential names. Vagaev is said to have secured his deal through the backing of Khamzat Chimaev, while Gasanov's signing is linked to the combined influence of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. The suggestion is that these established fighters used their leverage within the organization to open doors for teammates.
Chimaev, currently ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth in the pound-for-pound rankings at 32 years old, carries considerable weight inside the UFC. The UAE-based fighter holds a 15-1 record and lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy, while also averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Nurmagomedov, 37, retired with a perfect 29-0 record and remains one of the most recognizable figures the sport has produced. His protege Makhachev, now 34 and the reigning welterweight champion with a 28-1 record, has built his own standing inside the organization. Makhachev averages 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes and posts a striking accuracy of 58 percent.
Why it matters
- Both Vagaev and Gasanov rely primarily on grappling, a style the UFC has historically been cautious about promoting from CIS-region fighters
- A matchup between the two in their UFC debuts is reportedly being discussed, which would limit immediate external exposure
- Their long-term trajectories inside the promotion may depend heavily on how the UFC chooses to position and market them beyond their connections
For now, the signings represent a meaningful opportunity for both fighters to test themselves against world-class opposition, even as questions linger about how the promotion will develop them going forward.
