ACA middleweight champion Magomedrashul Gasanov has been signed by the UFC. He will make his promotional debut at the Abu Dhabi event on July 25, the same card where Magomed Ankalaev faces Khalil Rountree.
Magomedrashul Gasanov, the reigning ACA middleweight champion, has signed with the UFC and will make his promotional debut on July 25 at the Abu Dhabi event, the organization confirmed. He joins the card headlined by the light heavyweight clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr.
Gasanov arrives in the UFC as a titleholder from one of Europe's most prominent regional promotions, bringing championship pedigree to what will be his first appearance on the sport's biggest stage. Details of his opponent and specific bout order have not yet been announced.
Ankalaev enters the Abu Dhabi card as the division's top-ranked contender and the number-five pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC rankings. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains out of Gorets Fight Club, carries a 21-2-1 record and brings a well-rounded game to the cage, landing 3.65 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate while also averaging 0.79 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Standing across from him will be Khalil Rountree Jr., ranked seventh in the light heavyweight division at 36 years old. The southpaw stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and has posted a 15-7-0 record. Rountree is a high-output striker, averaging 3.88 significant strikes per minute, though his game is almost exclusively on the feet, recording no takedown attempts to speak of.
Why it matters
- Gasanov's signing adds a proven regional champion to the UFC roster ahead of a high-profile international card
- The Ankalaev vs. Rountree matchup has significant divisional implications, with the top-ranked contender looking to strengthen his title case
- Rountree's pure striking style against Ankalaev's more complete, accurate offense sets up a compelling stylistic contrast at 205 pounds
