UFC Matchmakers Clashed With Khamzat and Khabib Over Signing Vagaev and Gasanov

Hamzat Chimaev signed Vagaev to the UFC while Khabib Nurmagomedov arranged Gasanov's signing, both going directly through UFC leadership and bypassing matchmakers. In apparent retaliation, matchmakers first booked Gasanov and Vagaev against each other, then pulled Gasanov from the bout citing failed drug testing timelines. Vagaev was subsequently told his only available fight was a jump to welterweight against Saygid Izagakhmaev, an outcome that matchmakers reportedly calculated would either sideline Vagaev if he refused or guarantee Izagakhmaev a tough contest if he accepted — which Vagaev did.