Vagaev vs Gasanov being planned for UFC Abu Dhabi on July 25

A fight between Abubakr Vagaev and Magomedsharipov Gasanov is in development for the UFC card in Abu Dhabi on July 25. Both fighters are former ACA champions who were recently signed to the UFC through connections with established UFC fighters—Vagaev through Khamzat Chimaev and Gasanov through Khabib Nurmagomedov/Islam Makhachev. The post suggests these signings represent a shift, as top ACA fighters historically did not transition to the UFC. The author notes this will likely be a grappling-heavy fight between two well-rounded but wrestling-focused competitors. Both Chimaev and Khabib are expected to be in their respective corners. The post expresses concern about whether UFC will properly promote and advance these fighters, or deliberately keep them outside the top 15 rankings.