Vagaev vs Gasanov UFC signing demonstrates importance of connections in MMA

The post analyzes how connections enabled UFC signings for ACA fighters Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov, despite their grappling-heavy styles typically being disfavored by Dana White. For years, top ACA fighters couldn't transition to UFC, with even high-level strikers like Albert Tumenov ultimately returning to ACA. The author suggests Vagaev's signing was facilitated by Khamzat Chimaev, while Gasanov was brought in through Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev, possibly as part of negotiations for other fights. The post welcomes the potential matchup between the two in their UFC debuts, noting they deserve top-level competition. However, the author expresses concern about UFC's future treatment of these grapplers and whether they'll be properly promoted or deliberately held outside the top 15. The post also notes that while the fight will generate significant buzz in Russian-language MMA circles, few MMA events truly break through to mainstream popularity.