UFC matchmakers clashed with Khamzat and Khabib over Vagaev and Gasanov signings

Hamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov separately brokered the UFC signings of fighters Vagaev and Gasanov by going directly to organization bosses, bypassing the matchmaking team entirely. In apparent retaliation, matchmakers initially paired Vagaev and Gasanov against each other before pulling Gasanov from the bout, citing a failure to complete doping testing in time. Vagaev was then told the only available slot for him was at welterweight against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a matchup that also serves the matchmakers' interests by guaranteeing Izagakhmaev a difficult fight regardless of the outcome.