Eduard Vartanyan attacked backstage before ACA 202 bout

Eduard Vartanyan was attacked in the backstage area before his fight at ACA 202 in St. Petersburg, allegedly struck in the back of the head by associates of Zaur Gadzhiev. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about backstage security protocols at ACA events. While the organization has historically restricted media access to locker rooms and backstage areas, fighters not competing on the card and their associates have had freer access. The author notes that security practices have improved recently, though they remain imperfect. The incident raises questions about whether fighters not on the card should have such unrestricted backstage access.