UFC matchmakers allegedly retaliated against fighters signed by Khamzat and Khabib

Khamzat Chimaev reportedly signed Vagaev to the UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov signed Gasanov, both bypassing the organization's matchmakers by going directly through UFC management. In an apparent act of retaliation, matchmakers initially booked Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then pulled Gasanov from the card citing a failed USADA testing timeline. Vagaev was subsequently told his only available opponent was Saygid Izagakhmaev at welterweight, a matchup he accepted.