Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates were involved in an altercation with Eduard Vartanyan before a fight, reportedly striking him on the back of the head. Despite the incident, Gadzhiev will not be removed from the promotion. Magomed Bibulatov has stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the matter. The incident adds to concerns about fighter conduct at events. No further disciplinary action beyond the conversation has been mentioned.
A physical altercation involving Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates took place before a scheduled bout, with Eduard Vartanyan reportedly struck on the back of the head in the incident. Despite the seriousness of the confrontation, Gadzhiev will not face removal from the promotion.
Magomed Bibulatov, known by his nickname Chaborz, addressed the matter directly. The 37-year-old orthodox fighter, who competes at a height of five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, carries a professional record of 14 wins and 2 losses. A technically sound competitor, Bibulatov averages 3.6 significant strikes landed per minute at 51 percent striking accuracy, while also contributing on the grappling side with 2.85 takedowns per 15 minutes. He confirmed that he held a stern conversation with Gadzhiev following the incident, though no further formal disciplinary measures have been announced beyond that exchange.
Why it matters
- A pre-fight altercation involving a strike to the back of the head raises immediate concerns about fighter conduct and event safety protocols.
- The decision not to remove Gadzhiev from the promotion may draw scrutiny regarding how such incidents are handled internally.
- Bibulatov's personal intervention suggests the matter was treated seriously at an organizational level, even if formal sanctions were not applied.
The episode adds to a broader conversation around professionalism and conduct at MMA events, with questions likely to persist about whether a private conversation constitutes a sufficient response to the reported behavior.
