UFC Matchmakers Reportedly Retaliated Against Vagaev and Gasanov Over Signing Process

Hamzat Chimaev and Khabib Nurmagomedov allegedly secured UFC contracts for Adam Vagaev and Magomed Gasanov respectively by going directly through the organization's top brass, bypassing matchmakers who were presented with a fait accompli. In apparent retaliation, matchmakers paired the two fighters against each other, then removed Gasanov from the bout citing a failed USADA testing timeline — despite the fighter reportedly being ready to compete. Vagaev was subsequently told the only available slot for him was at 170 pounds against Saygid Izagakhmaev, a matchup seen as a difficult test designed to punish both fighters.