Armenians shine in Sochi: Grigor Matevosyan and Aren Akopyan score impressive wins at ACA 188

On Saturday, June 28, ACA 188 took place in Sochi, where Armenian fighters Grigor Matevosyan and Aren Akopyan earned confident victories, strengthening their positions in the league. Their performances were among the highlights of the evening, and for Matevosyan, the win marked a triumphant return to his hometown.

Grigor Matevosyan: Redemption in his hometown
In the co-main event, Grigor Matevosyan (14-5) faced Kazakhstan’s Asylzhan Bakhytzhanuly. Matevosyan dominated the fight, maintaining control both on the feet and on the ground. The result was a unanimous decision — 29-27, 29-26, 29-27 — in favor of the Armenian fighter.

This victory was especially meaningful for Matevosyan, as it ended a two-fight losing streak and marked his 14th professional win. Achieving it in his native Sochi added symbolic value.

Aren Akopyan: Sixth straight win and knockout of a prospect
The other Armenian fighter, Aren Akopyan (18-3-1), continued his rise in the bantamweight division. At ACA 188, he faced previously undefeated Astemir Nagoev (8-1), who had been considered one of the top prospects in the division.

Akopyan didn’t waste time: in the second round, he seized the moment and knocked Nagoev out, extending his winning streak to six. With results like this, Aren is clearly knocking on the door of a title shot and proving he’s ready for the big stage.

ACA 188 Results (June 28, Sochi):

• Azamat Pshukov def. Kurban Gadzhiev — submission, Round 3 (Flyweight Grand Prix Final)

• Grigor Matevosyan def. Asylzhan Bakhytzhanuly — unanimous decision (29-27, 29-26, 29-27)

• Aren Akopyan def. Astemir Nagoev — KO, Round 2

• Daud Shaikhaev def. Artem Reznikov — submission, Round 1

• Uzair Abdurakov def. Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov — KO, Round 2

• Aleksandr Podlesny def. Pavel Vitruk — unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• Zhakshylyk Myrzabekov def. Chersi Dudaev — TKO, Round 3

• Herdeson Batista def. Ali Abdulkhalikov — submission, Round 1

• Saifullah Dzhabrailov def. Felipe Froes — unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

• Rasul Magomedov def. Ramazan Kishev — unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

• Abdul-Rakhman Janaev def. Anderson Gonçalves — KO, Round 1

• Osimkhon Rakhmonov def. Goga Shamatava — KO, Round 2

• Denis Silva def. Islam Meshev — split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29)

• Rustam Asuev def. John Teixeira — unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

• Ali Suleymanov def. Zamir Aripshev — unanimous decision (29-28 x3)