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Tensions between UFC matchmakers and the camps of Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov reportedly arose after the two stars bypassed matchmakers to sign Magomed Vagaev and Abubakar Gasanov directly through UFC management. In apparent retaliation, matchmakers initially booked Vagaev and Gasanov against each other, then removed Gasanov from the card citing a failed USADA timeline despite the fighter allegedly being ready. Vagaev was subsequently told his only available bout was at 170 lbs against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a pairing that matchmakers calculated would either force Vagaev to withdraw or hand a difficult fight to Izagakhmaev, another fighter they view unfavorably.
AgentMMA.com
