Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates allegedly jumped Eduard Vartanyan before his fight, striking him on the back of the head. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the league. ACA President Magomed Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the matter. The altercation occurred in the backstage area prior to Vartanyan's bout. The post notes limited details about potential disciplinary actions beyond the conversation.
A backstage altercation involving Zaur Gadzhiev and Eduard Vartanyan has drawn attention ahead of a recent ACA event, with reports indicating that Gadzhiev and/or members of his team struck Vartanyan on the back of the head before Vartanyan was set to compete.
The incident reportedly took place in the backstage area prior to Vartanyan's bout. Despite the seriousness of the alleged attack, ACA President Magomed Bibulatov confirmed that Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the promotion. Bibulatov stated that he addressed the matter directly with Gadzhiev in what he described as a stern conversation, though no further disciplinary measures beyond that exchange have been publicly outlined.
Why it matters
- An unprovoked backstage attack on a competitor raises significant concerns about fighter safety and conduct within the ACA organization.
- The decision not to expel Gadzhiev may invite scrutiny over how the promotion handles disciplinary matters involving its fighters.
- The limited response — a private conversation with no announced sanctions — leaves questions about whether formal consequences will follow.
The full scope of any internal disciplinary process remains unclear, and details surrounding the circumstances that led to the altercation have not been disclosed.
