Zaur Gadzhiev and his teammates reportedly attacked Eduard Vartanyan before his fight at ACA 202, striking him in the back of the head. Despite the incident, ACA will not expel Gadzhiev from the promotion. ACA president Magomed Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the altercation. The attack occurred in the backstage area prior to Vartanyan's bout. Details about any potential disciplinary action beyond the conversation remain limited.
A backstage confrontation marred ACA 202 after Zaur Gadzhiev and members of his team reportedly attacked Eduard Vartanyan in the backstage area before Vartanyan was scheduled to compete, striking him in the back of the head.
The incident drew a direct response from ACA president Magomed Bibulatov, who addressed Gadzhiev in what he described as a stern conversation following the altercation. Despite the seriousness of the episode, Bibulatov confirmed that Gadzhiev will not face expulsion from the promotion. Beyond that conversation, details regarding any further disciplinary measures remain limited.
Why it matters
- A pre-fight physical attack on a fellow competitor in a backstage area raises immediate questions about fighter safety protocols within ACA.
- The promotion's decision to retain Gadzhiev rather than suspend or release him will draw scrutiny from fighters, managers, and observers across the MMA community.
- Vartanyan was struck in the back of the head shortly before his own bout, raising concerns about whether the attack affected his readiness to compete.
