UFC Roster Cuts: Khabib's Teammate Saygid Izagakhmaev Among 9 Fighters Released

The Purge Before the Paramount+ Anniversary

The UFC is about to hit its first full year under the Paramount+ deal, and instead of coasting into that milestone, the promotion is doing some serious roster spring cleaning. Nine fighters were reportedly cut loose to clear space for fresh talent — a routine move for the UFC, but this batch includes a name that turned heads: Saygid Izagakhmaev, longtime training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Who Got Released

Along with Izagakhmaev, the promotion parted ways with Lyman Good, Bruno Lopes, Bekzat Almakhan, Cody Gibson, Aoriqileng, Ravena Oliveira, Stewart Nicoll, and Hailey Cowan. It's a mixed bag — some are proven vets like Gibson (21-13) and Aoriqileng (26-14), others are lesser-known names who never quite broke through. But it's Izagakhmaev's release that's dominating the conversation.

Why Izagakhmaev's Cut Stings

When Izagakhmaev signed with the UFC, expectations were sky-high. He came in with a 22-2 record and a perfect 3-0 run in ONE Championship, one of MMA's premier promotions outside the UFC. Given his connection to Khabib's legendary Dagestani training camp — the same pipeline that's produced elite talent for years — many assumed he'd slot right in and start climbing the welterweight rankings.

That's not how it went. Izagakhmaev dropped back-to-back fights, first to Nicolas Dalby, then to Abubakar Vagaev, and the UFC decided not to give him a third shot. He exits the promotion winless, now sitting at 22-4 overall.

What's Next for Him

A losing UFC stint doesn't necessarily end a career. Izagakhmaev's overall body of work is still solid enough that other promotions will likely come calling. Fighters released by the UFC frequently resurface in PFL, ONE Championship, or regional circuits and rebuild their stock. Given his connections and pedigree, don't be shocked if he lands somewhere relevant fairly quickly.

The Bigger Picture

Roster cuts like this happen constantly in the UFC — it's a numbers game, and the promotion is always making room for the next wave of prospects, especially with a packed 2026 calendar and a media partner in Paramount+ that wants a steady stream of fresh storylines. But when a fighter tied to Khabib Nurmagomedov's camp gets let go, it's a reminder that pedigree alone doesn't guarantee UFC success. Even fighters coming from elite training rooms and dominant records elsewhere can hit a wall against the deepest talent pool in the sport.

For fans, it's also a small gut-check on just how unforgiving the UFC's win-loss margins are — two losses, even against solid competition, was enough to end this run before it really got going.