Khabib Nurmagomedov officially announced that Magomedrrasul Gasanov has signed with the UFC. The announcement was made through Khabib's channels and represents a significant milestone for the ACA veteran. Details about Gasanov's debut fight or timeline were not provided in this initial announcement, though other sources indicate he will face Abubakar Vagaev. The signing marks Gasanov's transition from regional promotions to the world's premier MMA organization.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced that Magomedrrasul Gasanov has signed a contract with the UFC, with the former lightweight champion sharing the news through his own channels on May 25, 2026. While no official debut date or opponent was confirmed in the announcement, separate reports suggest Gasanov will face Abubakar Vagaev in his first octagon appearance.
The signing carries added weight given who delivered the news. Nurmagomedov, the undefeated Russian legend who retired with a perfect 29-0 record, has evolved into one of MMA's most influential figures outside of competition. The 37-year-old from Russia, who fought out of Fightspirit Team, built his legacy in the lightweight division with suffocating grappling that averaged 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. His endorsement of a fighter signals serious attention within the sport.
Gasanov arrives in the UFC after building his resume in ACA, one of the more competitive regional organizations operating in Russia and Eastern Europe. The signing represents a significant step up in competition and marks his transition to the sport's biggest stage. No verified record, age, or divisional information for Gasanov was included in the initial announcement details.
Why it matters
- Khabib's direct involvement in the announcement gives Gasanov an immediate platform and visibility with UFC fans worldwide
- ACA has historically served as a pipeline for Russian and Eastern European talent entering the UFC
- A potential matchup with Vagaev, if confirmed, would give Gasanov an immediate test against another regional standout making the same transition
