UFC Matchmakers Reportedly Retaliated Against Gassanov and Vagaev Over Signing Process

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.