Eduard Vartanyan attacked backstage before ACA 202 bout by Gadjiev associates

Eduard Vartanyan was attacked in the backstage area before his fight with Uzair at ACA 202 in St. Petersburg, struck in the back of the head by friends of Zaur Gadjiev. The incident highlights ongoing security and media access issues at ACA events. The promotion has historically restricted media access to locker rooms and backstage areas while allowing fighters not on the card to move freely with friends. The reporter notes that while media access policies have recently improved, they remain imperfect. The attack occurred despite tight restrictions on legitimate press credentials. Vartanyan proceeded to fight despite the pre-bout assault.