UFC matchmakers allegedly sabotaged Vagaev and Gasanov bookings in internal power struggle

Khamzat Chimaev reportedly signed Vagaev to the UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov signed Gasanov, both doing so through promotion executives in moves that bypassed matchmakers. The matchmakers, reportedly angered at being presented with a fait accompli, responded by initially booking Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then pulling Gasanov citing a failed doping timeline before offering Vagaev a last-minute bout against Saygid Izagakhmaev at 170 pounds. Vagaev accepted the fight.