Eduard Vartanyan allegedly attacked backstage before ACA 202 bout by Gadzhiev's associates

Eduard Vartanyan was reportedly attacked in the backstage area before his ACA 202 fight with Uzair, being struck in the back of the head by associates of Zaur Gadzhiev. The incident highlights ongoing issues with backstage access at ACA events in Saint Petersburg. The post criticizes ACA's strict media access policies while noting that fighters not competing on the card, along with their entourages, have been allowed in restricted areas where they can initiate confrontations. The author notes that ACA has historically been very restrictive about media presence in locker rooms and backstage areas. While acknowledging recent improvements in media access, the writer questions why journalists who have covered ACA for years face restrictions while non-competing fighters and their associates have more freedom.