According to sources from Vestnik MMA and confirmed by the channel's own sources, negotiations are underway for a fight between Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi scheduled for July 25. The post humorously notes this as a "cunning plan" by ACA and suggests fans could be in for 15 minutes of grappling. Both fighters are known for their wrestling-heavy styles. The matchup would represent the UFC debuts for both former ACA champions. Details remain limited as negotiations are still in progress.
Reports out of Vestnik MMA suggest the UFC is in negotiations to book a welterweight or lightweight clash between Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi slated for July 25, though nothing has been officially confirmed.
Sources cited by Vestnik MMA indicate talks are ongoing, with the promotion yet to announce any agreement. Because the report remains unconfirmed, all details surrounding the matchup should be treated as preliminary.
Both Vagaev and Gasanov are former ACA champions with reputations built heavily on wrestling and grappling-based styles. Should the bout come together, it would mark the UFC debut for each man, representing a significant step up in profile for two of the more accomplished fighters to emerge from the ACA organization.
Why it matters
- A meeting between two former ACA champions on a UFC card would instantly raise the profile of both men inside the Octagon.
- Both fighters carry wrestling-heavy styles, meaning the matchup could be a technically demanding grappling contest from the opening bell.
- Abu Dhabi has become a regular destination on the UFC calendar, and a July 25 card would provide a meaningful platform for two debuting prospects.
- As negotiations are still in progress, the bout could fall through or shift to a different event entirely before any official announcement is made.
