ACA bantamweight Grand Prix champion Mekhdi Baidulaev (10-0) will move up to featherweight for his next outing, facing unbeaten Gadjimurad Aliev (1-0) on July 17 at ACA 205 in Almaty.
ACA bantamweight Grand Prix champion Mekhdi Baidulaev will step up a weight class for his next fight, taking on unbeaten prospect Gadjimurad Aliev at featherweight when ACA 205 takes place on July 17 in Almaty.
Baidulaev enters the contest carrying a perfect 10-0 professional record and the distinction of having claimed the ACA bantamweight Grand Prix title. The move to featherweight marks a notable shift in direction for the undefeated champion, who now looks to prove himself in a second division.
Aliev, meanwhile, brings his own unblemished record into the matchup, standing at 1-0 as a professional. Though his experience at this level is limited, the fact that ACA has matched him against a decorated Grand Prix champion suggests the promotion views him as a genuine test rather than a straightforward assignment for Baidulaev.
Why it matters
- Baidulaev's perfect record and Grand Prix title give this featherweight debut significant stakes — a loss would derail momentum built across ten unbeaten fights
- Aliev's unbeaten start will be severely tested against one of ACA's most accomplished champions, making this a meaningful measuring-stick bout for the newcomer
- The featherweight division at ACA gains added intrigue with a proven bantamweight titlist entering the picture
