Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov allegedly bypassed UFC matchmakers to sign Adam Vagaev and Umar Gassanov, respectively, going directly through organization leadership. In response, matchmakers reportedly arranged a fight between the two fighters, then removed Gassanov from the bout citing USADA testing concerns. Vagaev was subsequently offered a bout against Saygid Izagakhmaev at welterweight as the only available option on the card.
Reports have emerged suggesting that UFC matchmakers took deliberate steps against two recently signed fighters after being sidestepped during their respective signing processes — a claim that, if accurate, points to unusual internal friction within the organization.
According to the unconfirmed reports, Khamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov each went directly to UFC leadership rather than through the matchmaking team to secure deals for their respective prospects, Adam Vagaev and Umar Gassanov. Matchmakers allegedly responded by booking a fight between the two newcomers, then removed Gassanov from the card over USADA testing concerns. Vagaev was subsequently presented with a welterweight bout against Saygid Izagakhmaev as the only remaining option available to him on the event.
Chimaev, the 32-year-old middleweight currently ranked first in the division and tenth pound-for-pound, carries a 15-1-0 professional record and fights out of Allstars Training Center. The six-foot-two UAE-based Swede is one of the sport's most dominant wrestlers, averaging 5.29 takedowns per 15 minutes while landing significant strikes at a 60 percent accuracy rate.
Nurmagomedov, 37, retired from competition with a flawless 29-0-0 record and has since moved into a managerial and mentorship role within the sport. The Russian great was himself a relentless grappler, averaging 5.32 takedowns per 15 minutes during his career.
Izagakhmaev, a 31-year-old Russian fighter with a 22-3-0 record, trains at the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School. The six-foot welterweight carries a 74-inch reach and a 58 percent striking accuracy mark, though his significant strike output of 1.33 per minute suggests a style centered more around control than volume.
Why it matters
- If confirmed, the episode suggests matchmakers wield disciplinary influence over roster newcomers tied to high-profile advocates.
- Vagaev's welterweight assignment against Izagakhmaev carries added weight as what is being framed as a forced booking rather than a competitive match made on merit.
- The involvement of two of the sport's most prominent figures — an active top contender and the most celebrated champion in lightweight history — makes any internal political fallout difficult to ignore.
