UFC Parts Ways With Khabib Nurmagomedov Protégé After Two-Fight Run

Welterweight Saygid Izagakhmaev has been released by the promotion following consecutive decision defeats, bringing a short UFC run to a close. Izagakhmaev lost to Nicolas Dalby by split decision in his debut before dropping a unanimous decision to Abubakar Vagaev in July.

The timing is notable given how much attention surrounded his arrival. Izagakhmaev entered the UFC with a 22-4 professional record and an established reputation as one of Dagestani MMA’s leading grapplers. The 32-year-old had also already built experience in ONE Championship before making the move.

Saygid Izagakhmaev Couldn't Find a UFC Win

Izagakhmaev never managed to get his hand raised during his brief UFC spell. His first fight came against Nicolas Dalby in Qatar, where the veteran edged him by split decision. He then returned several months later against Abubakar Vagaev in Abu Dhabi, but another three-round decision went against him.

There were no stoppage losses, but the two defeats were enough for the UFC to move on. AgentMMA reported that the promotion confirmed his release on September 16 following the back-to-back setbacks.

The result is a much shorter UFC chapter than many expected from a fighter who had already established himself outside the promotion.

Saygid Izagakhmaev Once Had Huge Expectations Behind Him

Long before he reached the UFC, Izagakhmaev had the backing of one of the most respected figures in Dagestani MMA.

Khabib Nurmagomedov had trained with Izagakhmaev from a young age and spoke highly of his potential during the fighter’s time in ONE Championship. In 2022, Khabib said he believed his teammate could eventually become the best fighter not only in their team, but in the world. He said,

“I love how he stays focused all the time. Even during the last couple of years when I watched him, I really like how he’s improved a lot.”

 

He also said:

“When I watched how he was one year ago and right now, he’s completely different. He’s only 27 years old and he keeps learning.”

 

Izagakhmaev went on to defeat Shinya Aoki by first-round TKO in ONE before eventually making his UFC debut. His overall career record now stands at 22-4, with 13 submission victories and three knockouts listed by the UFC.

The UFC chapter did not unfold as either man might have hoped. Izagakhmaev is now back on the market, with his next move likely to determine whether he can revive the momentum that once made him one of Khabib’s most closely watched protégés.