An analysis highlights Khadis Ibragimov as the best Russian fighter at rebuilding his career after UFC struggles. After leaving the UFC in 2020 with an 0-4 record over 13 months, Ibragimov has since compiled approximately 13-3-3 across 19 fights under various rule sets. According to Ibragimov, his earnings have increased 4-5 times compared to his UFC pay, now making 5-6 million rubles per fight. He will make his ACA debut on April 12 against undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola (7-0), who weighs 12 kg less than Ibragimov. The same ACA 202 card features Tony Johnson, who has defeated Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia, and Alexander Volkov, facing Kirill Kornilov. The event begins at 16:30.
Khadis Ibragimov will make his ACA debut on April 12 at ACA 202, stepping in against undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola in a matchup that marks a significant milestone in the Russian veteran's post-UFC resurgence.
Ibragimov's UFC tenure was a difficult stretch. He went 0-4 across just 13 months before his release in 2020, but a recent analysis singles him out as the standout example of a Russian heavyweight who successfully rebuilt his career after leaving the promotion. Across 19 subsequent bouts under various rule sets, he has compiled an approximate record of 13-3-3. He has also spoken openly about his finances, stating his per-fight earnings have grown four to five times compared to his UFC pay, now reaching five to six million rubles per fight.
His opponent, Daniil Matsola, arrives at ACA 202 with a perfect 7-0 record. The unbeaten heavyweight carries a notable size disadvantage, weighing approximately 12 kilograms less than Ibragimov, which sets up an interesting physical contrast between the two men.
Elsewhere on the same card, Tony Johnson — who carries an 11-3-0 record and stands six-foot-one — faces Kirill Kornilov. Johnson's resume includes victories over notable opponents, among them Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia, and Alexander Volkov. Sylvia, a former UFC heavyweight champion now aged 50, holds a career record of 31-10-0 and measured six-foot-eight with an 80-inch reach. Volkov, currently ranked number one in the UFC heavyweight division at 37 years old, stands six-foot-seven with a matching 80-inch reach and lands 4.78 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy.
Why it matters
- Ibragimov's ACA debut is a high-profile test of whether his rebuilt momentum can hold against fresh, undefeated competition
- Matsola's size deficit against a heavier, experienced opponent is the central stylistic question in the main matchup
- Johnson's presence adds heavyweight credibility to the card given his wins over recognizable names
