UFC matchmakers clash with Khamzat and Khabib over fighter signings, bouts reshuffled

Khamzat Chimaev signed Vagaev to the UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov signed Gasanov, both bypassing matchmakers by going directly through organization bosses. The matchmakers, unhappy at being presented with a fait accompli, reportedly retaliated by initially booking Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then removing Gasanov from the bout on dopingtesting grounds despite his reported readiness. Vagaev was subsequently told the only available fight for him was at 77 kg against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a pairing the matchmakers calculated would either sideline Vagaev if he refused or hand Izagakhmaev — another fighter they are reportedly displeased with — a difficult contest.