A fight between Abubakr Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov is in development for a UFC event in Abu Dhabi scheduled for July 25. The report comes from Vestnik MMA with sources confirming ongoing negotiations. Both fighters are former ACA competitors making their UFC debuts. The matchup is described humorously as potentially featuring 15 minutes of grappling given both fighters' wrestling-heavy styles. If finalized, this would mark a significant debut for two highly-regarded fighters from the Russian MMA scene.
Negotiations are reportedly underway to book a welterweight or lightweight clash between Abubakr Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov at a UFC event in Abu Dhabi on July 25, according to Vestnik MMA, which cited sources close to the talks. No official confirmation has been issued by the UFC, and the bout should be treated as unconfirmed at this stage.
Both fighters arrive from the ACA organization, one of Russia's premier MMA promotions, and the matchup would represent the UFC debut for each man if the negotiations reach a successful conclusion. The Russian MMA scene has long been regarded as a deep talent pool, and both Vagaev and Gasanov are considered among its more highly-regarded prospects.
Why it matters
- A UFC debut for two established ACA veterans would raise the profile of Russian MMA in the promotion's roster.
- Both fighters carry wrestling-heavy styles, meaning the matchup could be decided almost entirely on the mat across three rounds.
- An Abu Dhabi date of July 25 suggests placement on a summer international card, which the UFC has regularly used to showcase emerging global talent.
Because no verified statistical data is currently available for either fighter in the AgentMMA database, specific records, rankings, and career numbers cannot be confirmed. Vestnik MMA described the potential contest with tongue-in-cheek humor, noting that fans could expect fifteen minutes of grappling given the stylistic overlap between the two men. Whether that prospect excites or concerns casual viewers may depend on their appetite for high-level wrestling exchanges.
The fight remains in the negotiation phase, and official confirmation from the UFC or either fighter's management has not yet been reported.
