Former ACA middleweight champion Magomedrasul Gasanov has signed with the UFC and will make his debut at the Abu Dhabi card on July 25. The same event will feature Magomed Ankalaev facing Khalil Rountree.
Magomedrasul Gasanov has signed with the UFC and is set to make his promotional debut on the Abu Dhabi card scheduled for July 25, the organization confirmed. Gasanov arrives carrying the former ACA middleweight championship on his résumé, adding another high-profile signing from the Russian regional circuit to the UFC roster.
The July 25 Abu Dhabi event also features a marquee light heavyweight contest between Magomed Ankalaev and Khalil Rountree Jr. Ankalaev enters as the division's top-ranked contender and sits fifth in the pound-for-pound rankings, carrying a record of 21-2-1. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains out of Gorets Fight Club, stands six-foot-three with a 75-inch reach and posts a striking accuracy of 52 percent alongside 3.65 significant strikes landed per minute. He also mixes in takedown threats at 0.79 attempts per 15 minutes.
Rountree Jr. is ranked seventh at light heavyweight and brings a record of 15-7-0 into the bout. The 36-year-old southpaw stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach, and his output of 3.88 significant strikes landed per minute underlines his reputation as a pressure striker. He attempts virtually no takedowns and registers a striking accuracy of 40 percent.
Why it matters
- Gasanov's UFC debut at a high-profile Abu Dhabi card signals the promotion's continued investment in Russian and ACA-pipeline talent at middleweight.
- Ankalaev vs. Rountree carries significant divisional stakes at light heavyweight, with the top-ranked contender looking to press his case for a title shot.
- The contrasting styles of Ankalaev's well-rounded game and Rountree's high-volume southpaw striking set up a compelling technical matchup.
- The Abu Dhabi date gives the card international prominence heading into the second half of the 2026 calendar.
