Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov each pushed through UFC signings — Vagaev and Gasanov respectively — by going directly to organization bosses, bypassing matchmakers who were presented with the decisions as a fait accompli. In apparent retaliation, matchmakers initially booked Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then removed Gasanov citing a failed drug-testing timeline despite his reported readiness. Vagaev was subsequently offered a welterweight bout against Saygid Izagakhmaev as the only available slot, a matchup sources say was designed to either sideline him or hand Izagakhmaev — also out of favor — a difficult fight.
Reports have emerged suggesting that UFC matchmakers found themselves at odds with both Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov over fighter signings, with the two stars allegedly circumventing the matchmaking department entirely by taking their cases directly to the organization's leadership.
According to the reports, Chimaev pushed through the signing of a fighter identified as Vagaev, while Nurmagomedov secured a UFC contract for Gasanov through similar back-channel lobbying. Matchmakers were reportedly presented with both decisions as a done deal, with no input sought. The story, which has not been officially confirmed, should be treated as a report at this stage.
Khamzat Chimaev, ranked first in the middleweight division and tenth on the pound-for-pound list, carries a 15-1-0 professional record and competes out of the UAE representing Allstars Training Center. The 32-year-old is one of the sport's more dominant presences, landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate and averaging 5.29 takedowns per fifteen minutes.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, who retired with a perfect 29-0-0 record, has remained a powerful figure in MMA circles since stepping away from competition. The 37-year-old Russian was renowned for a relentless grappling game that averaged 5.32 takedowns per fifteen minutes across his career.
Why it matters
- The reported friction hints at real tension between fighter-affiliated power brokers and the UFC's internal matchmaking structure.
- Gasanov was reportedly pulled from a planned bout against Vagaev over a drug-testing timeline issue, adding a procedural layer to the dispute.
- Vagaev was subsequently offered a welterweight slot against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a matchup sources characterize as punitive in design rather than competitive in intent.
- Both Gasanov and Izagakhmaev are described as being out of favor with matchmakers, raising questions about how personal dynamics are shaping fight bookings.
