A bout between Nikolai Aleksakhin and Loik Rajabov is in development and targeted as the co-main event of ACA 209 on October 31 in Dushanbe. Aleksakhin carries a 1-4 record in ACA, while Rajabov would be making his promotional debut. ACA president Magomed Bibulatov confirmed the matchmaking is underway.
ACA 209 is shaping up to have a notable co-main event pairing, with a bout between Nikolai Aleksakhin and Loik Rajabov in development for the October 31 card in Dushanbe. ACA president Magomed Bibulatov confirmed that matchmaking for the fight is underway, though the bout has not yet been formally finalized.
Aleksakhin enters the picture as a known quantity within the promotion, carrying a 1-4 record across his ACA appearances. That stretch has given him experience inside the organization, even if results have been difficult to come by, and a strong showing against a debuting opponent would represent a meaningful step forward for his standing on the roster.
Rajabov, meanwhile, would be stepping into ACA competition for the first time if the matchup comes together. Promotional debuts carry their own weight, particularly for a fighter looking to establish themselves on a recognized regional stage, and a co-main event slot against an established ACA name would be a significant platform to open that chapter.
Why it matters
- Dushanbe serves as the host city, giving the card a strong local flavor that could boost gate interest for both fighters
- Aleksakhin needs a win to improve on a 1-4 ACA run and strengthen his position within the promotion
- A co-main event debut would be an immediate high-profile opportunity for Rajabov to make an impression in ACA
- The confirmation from Bibulatov that matchmaking is underway signals genuine organizational intent, even as final details are still being worked out
