Zaur Gadzhiev and possibly his teammates physically confronted Eduard Vartanyan before a fight, with someone slapping Vartanyan 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 post does not provide additional context about the nature of the confrontation or whether any disciplinary action beyond the conversation took place. The incident appears to have occurred at an ACA event.
A physical altercation involving Zaur Gadzhiev and Eduard Vartanyan took place ahead of an ACA event, with footage or reports indicating that Gadzhiev — and possibly members of his team — confronted Vartanyan, including someone slapping him on the back of the head.
Despite the severity of the incident, Gadzhiev will not face removal from the promotion. Magomed Bibulatov, known as "Chaborz," addressed the matter directly, stating that he held a firm conversation with Gadzhiev in the aftermath. No further disciplinary measures beyond that exchange have been reported.
Bibulatov, a 37-year-old orthodox fighter standing five-foot-five with a 65-inch reach, carries a professional record of 14-2-0 and is one of the more recognizable figures associated with ACA competition. He lands 3.6 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy and averages 2.85 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting a well-rounded and active fighting style. His involvement in addressing the incident suggests he holds a position of authority or seniority within the team or organization.
Why it matters
- A pre-fight physical confrontation raises questions about fighter conduct standards within ACA.
- The decision to retain Gadzhiev despite the incident sets a precedent for how the promotion handles altercations between fighters or camps.
- Bibulatov's direct intervention highlights the role veteran fighters can play in managing team discipline.
