Vagaev vs Gasanov UFC signing attributed to Chimaev and Khabib connections

Russian MMA analyst explains that connections played a crucial role in bringing ACA champions Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov to the UFC, breaking years of precedent. For a long time, top ACA fighters, including skilled strikers like Albert Tumenov, couldn't secure UFC contracts despite leaving ACA with that intention. However, Vagaev and Gasanov, both grappling-heavy fighters whose style typically doesn't appeal to Dana White, secured contracts through influential connections. The analyst suggests Khamzat Chimaev signed Vagaev while Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev backed Gasanov, possibly as part of negotiations involving higher-profile fights. The fact that the two will face each other in their UFC debuts is welcomed, though the analyst regrets it will only be three rounds in the prelims rather than a five-round main event. Both fighters are described as well-rounded despite their grappling prowess.