Vagaev vs Gasanov UFC bout reportedly facilitated by Chimaev and Khabib connections

Analysis suggests that Abubakar Vagaev and Magomedrasul Gasanov secured UFC contracts through high-level connections rather than the organization's typical preferences. According to the post, Dana White generally dislikes ground-heavy fighters, especially from the CIS region, yet both grapplers were signed. The report claims Khamzat Chimaev facilitated Vagaev's signing while Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev helped secure Gasanov's contract. The author speculates there may have been negotiations involved, such as Chimaev agreeing to certain fight matchups in exchange for his friend's contract. The two fighters are now reportedly being matched against each other in their UFC debuts at the Abu Dhabi card on July 25, though it will only be a three-round prelim bout rather than a main event.