Khadis Ibragimov is highlighted as the best Russian fighter at reviving his career after UFC disappointment, having gone 0-4 in the promotion in 2020. Since leaving UFC, Ibragimov has compiled an approximate 13-3-3 record across 19 fights under various rulesets and claims to have increased his purse by four to five times compared to his UFC earnings, now reportedly making 5-6 million rubles per fight. He will make his ACA debut on April 12 against undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola (7-0), who is 12 kg lighter. The same card features former Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia and Alexander Volkov opponent Tony Johnson facing Kirill Kornilov, with the event starting at 16:30.
Khadis Ibragimov steps into Absolute Championship Akhmat competition for the first time on April 12, taking on undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola in what shapes up as a significant moment in his post-UFC career resurgence.
Ibragimov's time in the UFC ended on a difficult note, going 0-4 in the promotion in 2020. Since departing, however, the Russian heavyweight has rebuilt steadily, compiling an approximate 13-3-3 record across 19 fights under various rulesets. He has spoken publicly about the financial upside of his new path, reporting that his purse has grown four to five times beyond his UFC earnings, with individual fight fees now reportedly reaching five to six million rubles per appearance.
His ACA debut opponent, Daniil Matsola, arrives with a clean 7-0 record and comes in roughly 12 kilograms lighter than Ibragimov — a notable size disadvantage at heavyweight that adds an interesting physical dimension to the contest.
Also featured on the April 12 card is Tony Johnson, a six-foot-one heavyweight who carries an 11-3-0 record and a career striking accuracy of 53 percent. Johnson, who has previously shared the cage with names including Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia, and Alexander Volkov, faces Kirill Kornilov. Volkov, ranked first among active UFC heavyweights at 40-11-0, represents the highest-profile name on Johnson's résumé. Tim Sylvia, another former opponent, holds a career record of 31-10-0. The event is scheduled to begin at 16:30.
Why it matters
- Ibragimov's ACA debut tests whether his post-UFC form translates against fresh, unbeaten competition in a major Russian promotion.
- Matsola's undefeated record is on the line against a fighter with significant international experience.
- Johnson versus Kornilov adds another layer of heavyweight action, with Johnson bringing a credible résumé of notable opponents to the card.
