Firdavs Zaripov submitted Kholmurod Nurmatov in the second round at ACA 203, marking his promotional debut with the organization. The victory extends Zaripov's winning streak to three fights and improves his overall record to 13-5. Nurmatov, now 12-11-1, has dropped his third consecutive fight, with two of those losses coming by finish. The submission finish showcased Zaripov's grappling skills in his first ACA appearance. The event was broadcast live on ACA's pay-per-view platform on May 8, 2026.
Firdavs Zaripov made an immediate impression on his Absolute Championship Akhmat debut, submitting Kholmurod Nurmatov in the second round at ACA 203 on May 8, 2026.
Zaripov entered the promotion riding a two-fight winning streak, and the finish extended that run to three consecutive victories while lifting his overall professional record to 13-5. The submission result underlined his grappling credentials in his first appearance under the ACA banner, announcing himself as a threat in his division from the opening card.
For Nurmatov, the defeat was a difficult one to absorb. The loss dropped him to 12-11-1 and extended a difficult run of form that now stands at three defeats in a row. Two of those setbacks have come by way of finish, signaling some vulnerability when fights hit the mat or reach the finish of exchanges.
Why it matters
- Zaripov's three-fight winning streak gives him strong momentum heading into his ACA tenure, with a submission finish adding value to his debut impression.
- Nurmatov's third straight loss, with two coming by finish, raises questions about his trajectory within the organization.
- The grappling-based finish points to a potential style identity for Zaripov as ACA builds him on the roster.
The event was broadcast live on ACA's pay-per-view platform, giving the promotion's global audience a clear first look at Zaripov as a newcomer capable of delivering finishes on the biggest stage he has competed on to date.
