UFC matchmakers clashed with Khamzat and Khabib over fighter signings, sources say

Khamzat Chimaev signed Vagaev to the UFC and Khabib Nurmagomedov signed Gasanov, both going directly through UFC leadership rather than the matchmaking team. UFC matchmakers reportedly retaliated by first booking Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then pulling Gasanov from the bout citing a failed USADA timeline, and subsequently offering Vagaev a welterweight fight against Saygid Izagakhmaev as the only available option. Vagaev accepted the bout.