Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates physically confronted Eduard Vartanyan before his fight, with someone slapping Vartanyan on the back of the head. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the league. Magomed Babulatov addressed the situation by stating that he had a strict conversation with Gadzhiev about the incident. The altercation occurred in the pre-fight period, but specific details about what led to the confrontation are limited. The league appears to have handled the matter internally without taking severe disciplinary action.
A physical altercation between Zaur Gadzhiev and Eduard Vartanyan's camp in the pre-fight period has drawn attention after Magomed Babulatov confirmed he addressed the situation directly with Gadzhiev.
According to reports, Gadzhiev or members of his team made physical contact with Vartanyan before Vartanyan's fight, with someone striking him on the back of the head. The incident took place in the pre-fight period, though the specific circumstances that led to the confrontation have not been fully disclosed.
Babulatov, addressing the matter publicly, confirmed he held a stern conversation with Gadzhiev regarding his conduct. Despite the severity of the altercation, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the league, signaling that the organization has chosen to resolve the matter through internal discipline rather than formal suspension or expulsion.
Why it matters
- A pre-fight physical confrontation between fighters or their camps raises questions about event security and professional conduct standards
- The league's decision to retain Gadzhiev while handling the matter internally sets a precedent for how similar incidents may be treated going forward
- Vartanyan's preparation for his fight was directly affected by the incident, the full impact of which remains unclear
The league's handling of the episode appears measured but will likely invite scrutiny from fighters and fans alike who may question whether an internal conversation constitutes a sufficient response to physical misconduct on event grounds.
