ACA bantamweight Grand Prix champion Mehdi Baidulaev (10-0) will return to action at featherweight on July 17, taking on undefeated Gadzhimurad Aliev (1-0) at ACA 205 in Almaty.
Mehdi Baidulaev is set to make his return to the cage at ACA 205 on July 17, when the ACA bantamweight Grand Prix champion steps up to featherweight to face undefeated prospect Gadzhimurad Aliev. The event takes place in Almaty.
Baidulaev enters the bout carrying a perfect ten-and-zero professional record and the distinction of being the reigning ACA bantamweight Grand Prix champion. The move to featherweight marks a notable shift in division for the unbeaten champion, adding an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a compelling appearance on the card.
Aliev, meanwhile, brings his own unblemished record into the fight, sitting at one-and-zero as a professional. Though his experience at this level is still limited, the undefeated mark means he arrives with nothing to lose and everything to prove against one of ACA's most decorated champions.
Why it matters
- Baidulaev's first appearance at featherweight tests whether his dominance at bantamweight translates to a heavier division
- A win for Aliev over a Grand Prix champion would immediately elevate his profile in the ACA featherweight ranks
- The Almaty setting keeps both fighters competing in familiar ACA surroundings, where the promotion's fanbase will be closely watching Baidulaev's divisional debut
