Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates physically attacked Eduard Vartanyan in the backstage area before Vartanyan's bout, striking him on the back of the head. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the league. Magomed Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the altercation. The attack occurred in the pre-fight area at an ACA event. The post indicates this is part of ongoing tensions but provides limited details about potential disciplinary measures beyond Bibulatov's conversation with Gadzhiev.
A physical altercation erupted backstage at ACA 202 when Zaur Gadzhiev and members of his team attacked Eduard Vartanyan in the pre-fight area, striking him on the back of the head before Vartanyan was set to compete.
The incident has drawn a public response from Magomed Bibulatov, known as "Chaborz," a veteran of the ACA roster who holds a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses. The 37-year-old Orthodox fighter, who stands five-foot-five and carries a 65-inch reach, stated that he personally had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev in the aftermath of the attack. Bibulatov's involvement suggests he holds a position of authority or influence within the organization's fighter community.
Despite the seriousness of the assault, Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the league. No further disciplinary measures beyond Bibulatov's direct conversation with Gadzhiev have been detailed publicly, leaving the extent of any consequences largely unclear.
Why it matters
- A backstage attack on a competitor before his scheduled bout raises significant safety concerns for the ACA roster
- The decision not to expel Gadzhiev may draw criticism and questions about the organization's standards of conduct
- The incident points to deeper, ongoing tensions between the parties involved, though the full background remains undisclosed
