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.
A Russian MMA analyst has attributed the recent UFC signings of ACA champions Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov to high-level personal connections within the sport, suggesting the deals broke years of established precedent regarding ACA fighters moving to the UFC.
According to the analyst, top ACA talent had long struggled to make the jump to the UFC despite actively seeking contracts after leaving the promotion. Skilled strikers such as Albert Tumenov were cited as examples of fighters who couldn't secure deals even with clear intent to compete at the highest level.
Vagaev and Gasanov present a different profile — both are described as grappling-heavy fighters, a style the analyst notes has not historically appealed to UFC president Dana White. Yet both secured contracts, and the analyst credits influential backers for making it happen. Khamzat Chimaev, the number-one-ranked middleweight at 32 years old carrying a 15-1 record, is said to have vouched for Vagaev. Meanwhile, retired undefeated legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, whose 29-0 career record remains one of the sport's most celebrated, and reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, who holds a 28-1 record and currently sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings, are reported to have backed Gasanov — potentially as leverage within broader negotiations involving higher-profile bouts.
Why it matters
- Both fighters are ACA champions making their UFC debuts against each other, adding genuine competitive stakes to the matchup
- The analyst notes both men are described as well-rounded fighters despite their grappling-first identities
- The bout is scheduled for three rounds on the prelims, which the analyst views as underselling a matchup that warranted a five-round main event slot
- The signings may signal that personal relationships with UFC-connected stars are becoming an effective pathway for fighters from ACA and the broader Russian MMA ecosystem
