Khamzat Chimaev reportedly brokered the UFC signing of Vagaev, while Khabib Nurmagomedov secured the contract for Gasanov, with both deals pushed through UFC management in a move that bypassed the matchmaking department. In apparent 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 informed his only available slot was at welterweight against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a pairing that sources indicate was engineered to create problems for both fighters regardless of whether Vagaev accepted.
Reports have emerged suggesting that UFC matchmakers came into direct conflict with Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov over the signings of two fighters connected to their respective camps — a situation that, according to sources, set off a chain of behind-the-scenes maneuvering that has yet to fully resolve.
Per unconfirmed reports, Chimaev personally brokered the UFC signing of one fighter while Nurmagomedov secured a contract for another, with both deals pushed through UFC management in a manner that circumvented the matchmaking department. Matchmakers reportedly responded by booking the two new signees against each other, then pulling one from the card over a USADA testing-timeline issue. The remaining fighter was subsequently offered only a welterweight slot against Saygid Izagakhmaev — a pairing that sources describe as deliberately engineered to create difficulties for both men regardless of the outcome.
Chimaev, the 32-year-old middleweight currently ranked first in the division and tenth pound-for-pound, carries a 15-1 record and has become one of the sport's most influential figures beyond his own fighting career. The Allstars Training Center product lands 4.04 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate and averages 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes. Nurmagomedov, 37, remains a towering presence in the sport following his undefeated 29-0 retirement, long associated with building and guiding Dagestani and broader Muslim-world talent.
Izagakhmaev, 31, holds a 22-3 record and trains under the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School banner. He averages four takedowns per 15 minutes and strikes at a 58 percent accuracy rate, making him a credible grappling-based threat at any weight class.
Why it matters
- The reported clash highlights growing tension between fighter-side power brokers and UFC's internal matchmaking structure
- Chimaev and Nurmagomedov's influence over roster decisions represents an unusual level of leverage for active and retired fighters alike
- The welterweight booking of Vagaev against Izagakhmaev, if it holds, carries divisional implications for both unproven signees
- This story remains unconfirmed and should be treated as a developing report until official announcements are made
