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Dana White refuses to sign Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate despite dominant Contender Series win

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated Oct 1, 2025 10:26 AM ET

Dana White signed four fighters to the UFC during the latest episode of the Contender Series .

Damian Pinas, Louis Jourdain, Christopher Alvidrez, and Kurtis Campbell have all joined MMA’s premier promotion after impressing the UFC boss on Tuesday night.

The only winner who didn’t get a contract was from Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s team.

Rashid Vagabov (14-2) won every round but failed to find a finish as the biggest favorite on the card.

Dana White snubs Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege

Dana White didn’t like the fact that Rashid Vagabov started speaking to him during his fight.

The 27-year-old looked great on the feet before dominating Rashid Vagabov with his wrestling over the course of 15 minutes.

It was a clear 30-27 victory, but the UFC CEO wanted to see more from someone so highly touted.

“Let’s start with Rashid,” White said as he started handing out UFC contracts post-fight.

“7-1 favorite, talking to me during the fight, telling me you’re going to be a world champion, while you’re having a tough time beating the guy who was a 7-1 underdog.

“Not tonight, my friend. Maybe again. You’re obviously a talented guy.

“Get back in the gym, and maybe we’ll see you again. You’re young.”

Brendan Loughnane famously became a PFL champion after White rejected him in June 2019.

The British fan favorite cruised to a victory on the Contender Series, but still got brutally rejected by the UFC boss for the way he won.

It’s currently unclear if Vagabov will try to impress White again or follow Brendan Loughnane‘s lead by taking a different path.