Khabib Nurmagomedov has officially announced that Magomedrasul Gasanov has been signed to the UFC. The announcement was made by the former lightweight champion, suggesting his involvement in facilitating the contract. No additional details about Gasanov's debut opponent or fight date were provided in this brief announcement. The post indicates this is significant news for fans following the Russian MMA scene.
Khabib Nurmagomedov has announced that Magomedrasul Gasanov has signed a contract with the UFC, with the undefeated former lightweight champion making the news public on May 25, 2026. Khabib's involvement points to his continued role in developing and promoting fighters from the Russian MMA scene, though no details regarding Gasanov's debut opponent or a scheduled fight date were included in the announcement.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, 37, retired from competition with a perfect 29-0-0 record and remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history. The Russian orthodox fighter stood five-foot-ten with a 70-inch reach and built his legacy largely on an elite grappling game, averaging 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes across his career. He has since remained active in the sport through mentorship and athlete management, and this signing appears to be the latest example of that work.
Why it matters
- Gasanov's signing adds another fighter from the Russian MMA pipeline to the UFC roster, a talent pool with a strong track record at the highest level.
- Khabib's direct involvement in facilitating the contract signals his growing influence as a managerial and promotional figure in the sport.
- The division and weight class Gasanov will compete in have not yet been confirmed, leaving rankings implications to be determined once further details emerge.
