Zaur Gadzhiev and potentially his teammates were involved in a pre-fight incident where Eduard Vartanyan was struck on the back of the head. The altercation occurred before Vartanyan's scheduled bout at an ACA event. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be expelled from the league according to reports. Magomed Bibulatov stated he had a serious conversation with Gadzhiev about the behavior. The incident raises questions about fighter conduct and league discipline policies.
A physical altercation involving Zaur Gadzhiev and his teammates overshadowed an ACA event after Gadzhiev's camp allegedly struck fellow fighter Eduard Vartanyan on the back of the head before Vartanyan was scheduled to compete.
The incident drew swift attention from ACA officials, with Magomed Bibulatov — known in the sport as "Chaborz" — stepping in to address the situation directly. Bibulatov, a 37-year-old Orthodox striker who holds a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses, confirmed he held a serious conversation with Gadzhiev regarding the conduct. The veteran fighter, who stands five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, is a recognized figure within the ACA organization and carries the kind of standing that lends weight to such an intervention.
According to reports, Gadzhiev will not face expulsion from the league despite the severity of the incident, a decision that is already drawing scrutiny from those who feel the punishment does not match the behavior.
Why it matters
- A pre-fight physical attack on a competing fighter raises immediate safety and sportsmanship concerns within ACA
- Gadzhiev avoiding expulsion sets a notable precedent for how the promotion handles fighter misconduct
- Bibulatov's direct involvement suggests the league leaned on a senior figure rather than formal disciplinary channels to manage the situation
- Vartanyan was still scheduled to fight, meaning the incident could have directly affected his performance and preparation
The episode puts ACA's disciplinary framework under the microscope, with fighters, coaches, and fans watching closely to see whether additional consequences follow for those involved.
