Zaur Gadzhiev struck Eduard Vartanyan before fight, won't be released from league

Zaur Gadzhiev and/or his teammates allegedly struck Eduard Vartanyan on the back of the head before their scheduled bout. The incident represents a breach of pre-fight conduct protocols. Despite the altercation, Gadzhiev will not be released from his promotional contract. Magomed Babulatov stated that he had a stern conversation with Gadzhiev about the incident. The league's decision not to impose harsher penalties has drawn attention to enforcement of fighter conduct standards.