Khadis Ibragimov is making his ACA debut on April 12 after remarkably rebuilding his career following a 0-4 UFC stint in 2020 that saw him go from 8-0 to 8-4. Since leaving the UFC at age 24, Ibragimov has competed in 19 fights across various rulesets, compiling approximately a 13-3-3 record and increasing his fight purses by 4-5 times compared to his UFC earnings, now reportedly earning 5-6 million rubles per bout. He faces undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola (7-0), who is 12 kg lighter, in his ACA debut. The same card features former UFC heavyweight Tony Johnson, who has defeated Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia, and Alexander Volkov, facing Kirill Kornilov.
Khadis Ibragimov steps into ACA competition on April 12, making his promotional debut against undefeated heavyweight Daniil Matsola in a bout that marks a significant chapter in the Russian fighter's post-UFC career.
Ibragimov, now 31, entered the UFC with a perfect 8-0 record before going winless in four appearances in 2020, dropping his professional mark to 8-4. Since parting ways with the promotion, he has been remarkably active across multiple rulesets, compiling roughly a 13-3-3 record over 19 fights and reportedly earning five to six million rubles per bout — four to five times what he made during his UFC tenure. The six-foot-three orthodox heavyweight out of Sambo Piter carries a 78-inch reach and lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute, bringing legitimate offensive pressure to the ACA stage. He faces Matsola, who enters undefeated at 7-0 and gives up 12 kilograms to Ibragimov on the scale.
Also featured on the same card is veteran heavyweight Tony Johnson, who holds an 11-3-0 professional record and carries wins over notable names including Derrick Lewis, Tim Sylvia, and Alexander Volkov. Johnson lands 2 significant strikes per minute at 53 percent accuracy and averages 2 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. He faces Kirill Kornilov in what shapes up as a compelling heavyweight contest.
Why it matters
- Ibragimov's ACA debut is a showcase moment for a fighter who rebuilt his career brick by brick after a difficult UFC run
- Matsola's unbeaten record is on the line against a significantly larger and more experienced opponent
- Johnson's presence adds international heavyweight credibility to the card, with his wins over UFC-level competition lending weight to the matchup with Kornilov
- The event signals ACA's continued effort to mix established veterans with rising undefeated prospects on the same card
