Rinat Fakhretdinov has officially signed a contract with the ACB JJ league. The post confirms the signing without providing further details on the terms of the deal or Fakhretdinov's future plans with the promotion. ACB JJ is a Russian-based organization, and the announcement characterizes the move as an excellent signing for the league. Fakhretdinov previously competed in the UFC welterweight division.
Rinat Fakhretdinov has officially signed with the ACB JJ promotion, the organization announced on May 6, 2026, marking a new chapter for the Russian welterweight following his time in the UFC.
Fakhretdinov, nicknamed "Gladiator," carries an impressive professional record of 24-1-1 into this new venture. The 34-year-old Russian, who trains out of American Top Team, is a well-rounded fighter standing six feet tall with a 74-inch reach. During his UFC tenure in the welterweight division, he demonstrated a high-output offensive game, landing 5.03 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent striking accuracy rate. His wrestling credentials are equally notable, averaging 3.91 takedowns per 15 minutes — a figure that made him a consistent threat from the clinch and against the cage.
ACB JJ, a Russian-based organization, characterized the signing as an excellent addition to the league. No details regarding contract terms or Fakhretdinov's competitive schedule within the promotion were disclosed alongside the announcement.
Why it matters
- Fakhretdinov brings proven top-level welterweight experience to ACB JJ, raising the promotion's competitive profile.
- His elite takedown rate and striking volume make him a standout addition to any grappling-oriented organization.
- The move signals a shift away from the UFC for one of Russia's more accomplished welterweights, potentially opening a new competitive phase in his career at age 34.
