Eduard Vartanyan signs a full 4-fight contract with ACA: who might he face next?

ACA Grand Prix winner and former ACB interim lightweight champion Eduard Vartanyan has signed a full contract with the league for four fights. A new stage in the career of one of Russia’s brightest fighters promises the return of several storylines that remain unfinished.

Fight #1: Rematch with Ali Bagov — already scheduled
His first opponent will be former ACA lightweight champion Ali Bagov. The bout will take place on February 6 at the anniversary event ACA 200 in Moscow and will be held in the welterweight division. This long-awaited rematch should finally put an end to their long-standing rivalry.

Fighters’ records:

Eduard Vartanyan — 27–3
Ali Bagov — 35–12–1

Who could Vartanyan face in his next fights?

Based on ACA matchmaking logic and fan interest, the best options are fighters with whom Eduard has unfinished business — as well as the division leaders.

Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov — the perfect lightweight rematch

The current ACA lightweight champion, Grand Prix winner, and one of the most dominant fighters in the division. Their story demands continuation, making this a potential title fight or top contender matchup.

Yusuf Raisov — a rematch both fighters want

Former ACB featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Yusuf Raisov has openly stated that Vartanyan is the only fight that interests him in Russia.
Both fighters expressed desire for a rematch after their first encounter, making this matchup seem almost inevitable.

They will compete in jiu-jitsu on December 17 at ACBJJ 20, but fans are expecting the MMA rematch.

Bibert Tumenov — a long-standing callout and unfinished rivalry

Ranked #1 in the featherweight division, Bibert Tumenov has been calling out Vartanyan for years. Such a fight would be loud, intense, and unite two massive fanbases.

Current ACA rankings

Welterweight

Champion: Abubakar Vagaev
Top-5:

1. Albert Tumenov

2. Uzair Abdurakov

3. Zhakshylyk Myrzabekov

4. Andrey Koshkin

5. Chersi Dudaev

Lightweight

Champion: Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov
Top-5:

1. Ali Bagov

2. Daud Shaikhaev

3. Herdenson Batista

4. Ali Abdulhalikov

5. Alexander Matmuratov

A four-fight contract opens the door to spectacular matchups. And if Vartanyan gets past Bagov at ACA 200, fans have every reason to expect big rematches and super-fights that could become the highlight of upcoming league events.