Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates allegedly jumped Eduard Vartanyan in the backstage area before his fight at ACA 202, striking him on the back of the head. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the promotion. Magomed Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the matter. The attack on Vartanyan occurred before his bout, raising questions about fighter safety and conduct in the backstage area.
A serious backstage incident marred ACA 202 on April 13 when fighter Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates allegedly attacked Eduard Vartanyan in the backstage area before Vartanyan was scheduled to compete, striking him on the back of the head.
The altercation has drawn significant attention to fighter safety and conduct protocols within the Absolute Championship Akhmat promotion. Despite the gravity of the alleged attack, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the organization. Magomed Bibulatov, known by his nickname "Chaborz," confirmed that he personally held a stern conversation with Gadzhiev over the matter.
Bibulatov is one of ACA's most established figures, carrying a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses at 37 years of age. The orthodox fighter stands five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach and has demonstrated consistent technical output throughout his career, averaging 3.6 significant strikes landed per minute at 51 percent striking accuracy. He also contributes on the grappling side, averaging 2.85 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- An alleged backstage assault before a scheduled bout raises immediate questions about fighter safety and the promotion's duty of care in pre-fight areas.
- Gadzhiev's retention within ACA despite the incident signals how the promotion has chosen to handle the situation internally rather than through formal disciplinary removal.
- The fact that Vartanyan was struck on the back of the head shortly before competing could have placed him at genuine physical risk heading into an active fight.
- Bibulatov's direct intervention suggests the incident reached a level of seriousness that required leadership to respond, even if no suspension or expulsion followed.
