UFC matchmakers allegedly retaliated against Khamzat and Khabib signees Vagaev and Gasanov

Khamzat Chimaev reportedly signed Islam Vagaev to the UFC while Khabib Nurmagomedov brought in Abubakar Gasanov, both deals arranged through UFC executives rather than through matchmakers, who were presented with the signings as a fait accompli. According to insider information, matchmakers responded by first booking Vagaev and Gasanov against each other, then pulling Gasanov from the bout citing a failed doping testing timeline — despite the fighter reportedly being ready. Vagaev was subsequently offered a fight at 170 lbs against Saygid Izagakhmaev as the only available slot, a matchup sources say also served to saddle Izagakhmaev with a difficult opponent.