Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates physically confronted Eduard Vartanyan before his fight, striking him on the back of the head. Despite this pre-fight altercation, Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the ACA promotion. Magomed Bibulatov has stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the incident. The decision not to remove Gadzhiev from the league despite the altercation has raised questions about disciplinary standards. This incident adds to concerns about backstage conduct and fighter safety at ACA events.
A backstage altercation involving Zaur Gadzhiev has drawn scrutiny toward ACA's disciplinary process after the fighter, or members of his team, physically struck Eduard Vartanyan on the back of the head before Vartanyan's scheduled bout. Despite the seriousness of the incident, ACA has confirmed that Gadzhiev will not face expulsion from the promotion.
Magomed Bibulatov, known in MMA circles by his nickname "Chaborz," addressed the matter directly. The 37-year-old orthodox fighter holds a professional record of 14-2 and has been a significant presence within ACA's roster. Standing five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, Bibulatov is a well-rounded competitor who averages 3.6 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy and supplements his striking with 2.85 takedowns per 15 minutes. Bibulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev following the incident, though that conversation apparently did not translate into formal disciplinary action from the organization.
The decision to retain Gadzhiev despite the confirmed pre-fight physical confrontation has prompted questions about how ACA handles misconduct behind the scenes. Striking an opponent before a fight, outside of competition, raises clear concerns around fighter welfare and the integrity of the event environment.
Why it matters
- A confirmed pre-fight physical assault with no expulsion signals unclear disciplinary standards within ACA
- Eduard Vartanyan was struck on the back of the head before competing, raising direct fighter safety concerns
- The incident puts pressure on ACA leadership to publicly define consequences for backstage misconduct
- Bibulatov's involvement as a mediator rather than a disciplinarian may reflect organizational structure around how fighter conduct is managed
