Zaur Gadzhiev and/or members of his team allegedly attacked Eduard Vartanyan before his fight, striking him on the back of the head. Despite this incident, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the league. Magomed Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the incident. The attack occurred in the backstage area before Vartanyan's bout. No further disciplinary action appears to be planned beyond the verbal warning from Bibulatov. The incident raises questions about fighter conduct and security protocols.
A pre-fight backstage altercation has put Zaur Gadzhiev under scrutiny after he and/or members of his team allegedly struck Eduard Vartanyan on the back of the head before Vartanyan's bout on April 13, 2026.
According to reports, the incident took place in the backstage area ahead of Vartanyan's scheduled fight. Despite the seriousness of the allegation, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the league. Magomed Bibulatov, the promotion official known as "Chaborz," confirmed he addressed the matter directly with Gadzhiev in what he described as a stern conversation. No further formal disciplinary action appears to be planned beyond that verbal warning.
Bibulatov, a 37-year-old orthodox fighter standing five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach and a career record of 14-2, carries considerable authority within the organization. His decision to handle the matter privately rather than pursue a formal sanction has drawn attention, with many questioning whether a verbal reprimand is a sufficient response to an alleged physical assault on a fellow competitor.
Why it matters
- The alleged strike occurred in a backstage area, raising immediate concerns about security protocols and the safety of fighters before their bouts
- Gadzhiev retaining his spot in the league despite the allegation sets a precedent for how the promotion handles fighter conduct violations
- The absence of formal disciplinary measures beyond a conversation may invite further scrutiny from fighters, fans, and governing bodies
- Eduard Vartanyan was apparently required to compete in his scheduled bout following the alleged attack, compounding questions about duty of care
