ACA president Magomed Bibulatov made several major announcements at a press conference in Saint Petersburg. Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov has vacated the lightweight title, with interim champion Daud Shaikhayev being elevated to undisputed champion status. ACA 204 in Omsk this July will feature Alexander Shlemenko vs. Abdul-Aziz Emeev as the main event, with Shurkevich vs. Dudayev as the co-main. ACA 206 in Moscow this August will showcase two title fights: Abdulvakhabov vs. Aliakbari in the main event and Shaikhayev vs. Buvaisar Tumenov in the co-main event. Additional fights announced include Khabibullin vs. Grozin and Matmuratov vs. Sulumov for the Omsk card.
ACA president Magomed Bibulatov took center stage at a press conference in Saint Petersburg on Friday, unveiling a series of major organizational moves including a new undisputed lightweight champion and two upcoming cards packed with title fights.
At the top of the lightweight news, Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov has vacated the division's belt, clearing the way for interim champion Daud Shaikhayev to be elevated to undisputed champion status. Despite relinquishing the title, Abdulvakhabov remains active — he is slated to meet Aliakbari in the main event of ACA 206, scheduled for Moscow this August. Shaikhayev will defend his newly unified title on the same card in the co-main event, where he faces Buvaisar Tumenov.
Before Moscow, ACA heads to Omsk in July for ACA 204, headlined by a matchup that puts one of Russian MMA's most recognized names back in the spotlight. Alexander Shlemenko, nicknamed "Storm," returns to the top of a card at 42 years old. The Omsk native carries a remarkable 56-9-0 professional record and brings a relentless striking style to every outing, averaging 4.36 significant strikes landed per minute at a 60 percent accuracy rate. His opponent is Abdul-Aziz Emeev. Rounding out the Omsk bill, Shurkevich meets Dudayev in the co-main event, while Khabibullin vs. Grozin and Matmuratov vs. Sulumov were also confirmed for the card.
Why it matters
- Shaikhayev's elevation creates a unified lightweight picture in ACA for the first time, with a title defense already booked against Tumenov at ACA 206
- Abdulvakhabov's scheduled bout with Aliakbari at ACA 206 keeps him in contention despite vacating, with implications for any future title picture
- Shlemenko headlining ACA 204 in his home region of Omsk adds significant local and promotional weight to the July event
