ACA president Magomed Bibulatov announced that Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov has vacated the ACA lightweight championship. Daud Shaikhaev, who held the interim title, has been elevated to undisputed champion status. The announcement was made at a press conference in Saint Petersburg. Additionally, several upcoming ACA events were officially announced, including matchups at ACA 204 in Omsk this July and ACA 206 in Moscow this August. The new lightweight champion Shaikhaev is scheduled to defend his title against B. Tumenov in the co-main event of ACA 206.
ACA president Magomed Bibulatov announced at a press conference in Saint Petersburg that Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov has relinquished the ACA lightweight championship, triggering an immediate title elevation for interim champion Daud Shaikhaev, who now holds undisputed status in the division.
Abdulvakhabov's departure from the throne opens a new chapter at lightweight in the Russian-based promotion. Shaikhaev, who had previously captured the interim belt, inherits full recognition without needing an additional unification bout. He will not have long to settle into the role, as he is already scheduled to make his first title defense as undisputed champion against B. Tumenov in the co-main event of ACA 206, set for Moscow this August.
The announcement also confirmed several upcoming events on the ACA calendar. ACA 204 is scheduled for Omsk in July, with ACA 206 in Moscow following in August.
Why it matters
- Shaikhaev's elevation reshapes the ACA lightweight division without a unification fight, raising questions about the ranking order below him.
- His immediate title defense against Tumenov at ACA 206 gives the undisputed belt its first live test right away.
- The confirmed event slate for Omsk and Moscow signals an active second half of 2026 for ACA, one of Europe's highest-profile regional promotions.
- Abdulvakhabov's vacancy leaves his future plans unaddressed, which could affect divisional movement depending on where he lands next.
