UFC matchmakers shuffled Vagaev's opponent in apparent power struggle with Khabib and Chimaev camps

UFC matchmakers deliberately rearranged bouts involving Abubakar Vagaev and Magomed Gasanov after Hamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov each pushed their respective fighters — Vagaev and Gasanov — into the organization through the promotion's top brass, bypassing the matchmaking team. Matchmakers initially booked Vagaev against Gasanov, and when both accepted, Gasanov was pulled from the card under the stated reason that he could not complete USADA testing in time. Vagaev was then offered a fight at welterweight against Saygid Izagakhmaev as the only available option, which he accepted — a result that also ensured Izagakhmaev, another fighter out of favor with the matchmaking office, would face a difficult opponent.