Firdavs Zaripov submitted Kholmurod Nurmatov in the second round at ACA 203, marking a successful promotional debut. Zaripov improved to 13-5 and extended his winning streak to three fights. Nurmatov dropped to 12-11-1 and has now lost three consecutive bouts, two by stoppage. The victory showcased Zaripov's grappling skills in his first appearance under the ACA banner. Nurmatov will need to regroup after the setback.
Firdavs Zaripov made an immediate impression in his Absolute Championship Akhmat debut, submitting Kholmurod Nurmatov in the second round at ACA 203 on May 8, 2026.
Zaripov now holds a professional record of 13 wins and 5 losses, and the victory extends his current winning streak to three consecutive fights. The finish underlined his credentials as a grappler, with the submission coming in the second round of what was his first outing under the ACA banner.
Nurmatov, who entered the contest with a record of 12-11-1, has now dropped three fights in a row. Two of those defeats have come by stoppage, and Saturday's loss to Zaripov continues a difficult run of form for the veteran.
Why it matters
- Zaripov announced himself on a major regional platform with a definitive finish, building momentum on a three-fight streak.
- Nurmatov's third straight defeat, and second consecutive stoppage loss, raises questions about his path forward in the division.
- The grappling-based finish signals that Zaripov could be a threat to opponents at this level who are vulnerable on the ground.
