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Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly secured UFC contracts for Vagaev and Gasanov respectively by going directly through organization leadership, bypassing the matchmaking team. Matchmakers, reportedly displeased at being presented with a fait accompli, are said to have retaliated by first booking Gasanov against Vagaev, then removing Gasanov from the card citing a failed drug-testing timeline. Vagaev was subsequently informed his only available slot required moving up to 170 lbs to face Saygid Izagakhmaev, a pairing the matchmakers reportedly viewed as a difficult test for a fighter they also have reservations about.
AgentMMA.com
