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Absolute Championship Akhmat
Absolute Championship Akhmat
Absolute Championship Akhmat
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Absolute Championship Akhmat
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2025 in Absolute Championship Akhmat
SportMixed martial arts
Founded2014; 11 years ago (2014)
FounderMairbek Khasiev
CountryRussia
HeadquartersGrozny, Chechnya
Official websitewww.aca-mma.com/en

Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formerly known as Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), is a Russian mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu organization and one of the leading promotions in Europe.[1] To date, most events have been hosted in Grozny, Chechnya. ACA has also held events in other Russian cities, as well as in Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

History

[edit]

Absolute Championship Berkut

[edit]

ACB was founded by Mairbek Khasiev, a citizen of Chechnya. In 2009, he founded the Berkut Fight Club in Grozny which helped young fighters get the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

Several fighters who were successful in ACB have gone on to sign with more well known promotions such as the UFC. ACB had its own fight team, the Fight Club Berkut, which consisted of some of the promotion's fighters, such as Beslan Isaev, Magomed Bibulatov, Musa Khamanaev and Aslambek Saidov. ACB co-operated with other promotions in Europe by exchanging fighters, for example KSW and The Cage. ACB ran the majority of its shows live on a variety of TV networks (Match TV, Polsat Sport) throughout Europe. The promotion ran its shows live internationally on its Facebook page.

International Expansion

[edit]

The 2017 campaign featured 27 events spanning across thirteen countries, including the United States, Austria, Poland, England, Tajikistan, Belarus, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Australia and Russia.

TECH-Krep FC purchase

[edit]

On September 12, 2018, Mairbek Khasiev revealed that Absolute Championship Berkut had purchased TECH-Krep FC.[2] Khasiev went on to explain that TECH-Krep FC would cease operation and cancel their October 26 event, and that former Tech-Krep FC head Alexey Yatsenko would become the president of ACB.

WFCA acquisition and integration

[edit]

On November 28, 2018, the Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov announced that the Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) and the World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WFCA) would merge to form a single promotion.[3]

US Sanctions

[edit]

On December 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Treasury announced sanctions against ACA and Akhmat MMA due to their ownership by Kadyrov. Due to this, no American citizen or company can do business with them, meaning all American fighters could face fines or jail time if they fight for the organization.[4] Brett Cooper was the first fighter to pull out of his fight at ACA 116: Froes vs Balaev due to the sanctions.[5]

Roster

[edit]
Main article: List of current ACA fighters

List of events

[edit]
Main articles: List of Absolute Championship Akhmat events and 2025 in Absolute Championship Akhmat

Current champions

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]
Division Champion Since Defenses
Heavyweight Russia Evgeniy Goncharov March 17, 2023 1
Light Heavyweight Russia Adlan Ibragimov December 15, 2024
Middleweight Russia Magomedrasul Gasanov April 9, 2021 4
Welterweight Russia Albert Tumenov December 24, 2023 0
Lightweight Russia Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov September 19, 2020 3
Featherweight Russia Islam Omarov July 21, 2023 1
Bantamweight Russia Pavel Vitruk April 19, 2024 0
Flyweight Russia Kurban Gadzhiev February 25, 2023 0

Rankings

[edit]

The rankings for the ACA's fighters are both recorded and updated when information has been obtained from the ACA's website.[6]

  • Updated as of March 20, 2025
ACA Rankings
Rank Heavyweight Light Heavyweight Middleweight Welterweight
C Russia Evgeniy Goncharov Russia Adlan Ibragimov Russia Magomedrasul Gasanov Russia Albert Tumenov
1 Russia Alikhan Vakhaev Russia Muslim Magomedov Russia Shamil Abdulaev Russia Abubakar Vagaev
2 Russia Adam Bogatyrev Increase 1 Russia Elmar Gasanov Russia Artem Frolov Russia Chersi Dudaev
3 Russia Kirill Kornilov Increase 1 Russia Grigor Matevosyan Russia Ramazan Emeev Russia Uzair Abdurakov
4 Russia Mukhumat Vakhaev Decrease 2 Brazil Leonardo Silva Russia Abdul-Rahman Dzhanaev Russia Anatoliy Boyko
5 Russia Anton Vyazigin Tajikistan Faridun Odilov Russia Salamu Abdurahmanov Russia Andrei Koshkin
6 United States Tony Johnson Jr. Russia Sulim Batalov Increase 1 Russia Ibragim Magomedov Russia Alexey Shurkevich
7 Iran Pouya Rahmani Kazakhstan Evgeniy Egemberdiev Decrease 1 Bulgaria Nikola Dipchikov Belarus Denis Maher
8 Azerbaijan Ruslan Medzhidov Russia Ruslan Gabaraev Russia Sergey Kalinin Kyrgyzstan Jakshylyk Myrzabekov
9 Russia Salimgirey Rasulov Brazil Caio Bittencourt Russia Mikhail Dolgov Russia Viskhan Magomadov
10 Brazil Carlos Felipe Russia Evgeny Erokhin Russia Murad Abdulaev Kyrgyzstan Edil Esengulov
11 Russia Zumso Zuraev Russia Arthur Astakhov Russia Hussein Kushagov Brazil Vinicius Cruz
12 Russia Yuri Fedorov Russia Elkhan Musayev Russia Gadzhimurad Khiramagomedov Tajikistan Iskandar Mamadaliev New entry
13 Iran Arash Sadeghi Russia Murat Gugov Russia Ruslan Shamilov Russia Vitaly Slipenko Decrease 1
14 Russia Grigory Ponomarev Austria Arbi Aguev Brazil Rene Pessoa Brazil Elias Silvério Decrease 1
15 Estonia Denis Smoldarev Brazil Wagner Prado United States Chris Honeycutt Russia Ivan Solovyov Decrease 1
Rank Lightweight Featherweight Bantamweight Flyweight
C Russia Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov Russia Islam Omarov Brazil Josiel Silva Russia Kurban Gadzhiev
1 Russia Ali Bagov Russia Alikhan Suleimanov Russia Pavel Vitruk Tajikistan Azam Gaforov
2 Russia Yusuf Raisov Russia Bibert Tumenov Russia Oleg Borisov Decrease 1 Russia Azamat Pshukov
3 Russia Daud Shakhaev Russia Kurban Taygibov Increase 1 Russia Mehdi Baydulaev Decrease 1 Russia Anatoliy Kondratiev
4 Kazakhstan Artem Reznikov Russia Saifullah Dzhabrailov Increase 7 Russia Rustam Kerimov Decrease 1 Russia Azamat Kerefov
5 Russia Mukhamed Kokov Kyrgyzstan Alimardan Abdykaarov New entry Russia Akhmed Musakaev Russia Imran Bukuev Increase 1
6 Brazil Herdeson Batista Brazil Felipe Froes Decrease 3 Russia Aleksandr Podlesniy Russia Aren Akopyan Decrease 1
7 Russia Ali Abdulkhalikov Increase 1 Russia Alexey Polpudnikov Decrease 2 Russia Timur Valiev Russia Vartan Asatryan Increase 2
8 Russia Alexander Matmuratov Increase 5 Brazil Marcos Rodrigues Decrease 2 Russia Rasul Albaskhanov New entry Tajikistan Anis Ekubov Increase 2
9 Russia Amirkhan Adaev Decrease 2 Belarus Apti Bimarzaev Decrease 2 Tajikistan Osimkhon Rakhmonov Russia Astemir Nagoev Increase 2
10 Russia Ramazan Kishev Russia Makharbek Karginov New entry Russia Goga Shamatava Russia Mansur Khatuev Increase 2
11 Brazil Davi Ramos Decrease 2 Russia Gleb Khabibulin Decrease 3 Russia Murad Kalamov Increase 1 Russia Ruslan Abiltarov
12 Romania Aurel Pîrtea Russia Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev Decrease 3 Russia Renat Ondar Increase 1 Tajikistan Oyatullo Muminov Increase 2
13 Russia Rasul Magomedov Russia Yusup-Khadzhi Zubariev Increase 1 Slovakia Tomáš Deák New entry Russia Saigid Abdullayev
14 Russia Abdul-Rahman Temirov Brazil Charles Henrique Russia Umalat Israfilov New entry
15 Russia Basir Saraliev Russia Roman Ogulchansky Decrease 2 Georgia (country) Vazha Tsiptauri Uzbekistan Kholmurod Nurmatov New entry

Championship history

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
over 93 kg (over 205 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Zelimkhan Umiev
def. Israfil Makhashev 		ACB 9
Grozny, Russia 		Jun 22, 2014 594 days
2 Russia Salimgerey Rasulov ACB 29
Warsaw, Poland 		Feb 6, 2016 244 days
3 Russia Denis Goltsov ACB 50
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Dec 18, 2016 244 days
4 Russia Mukhomad Vakhaev ACB 67
Grozny, Russia 		Aug 19, 2017 742 days 1. def. Sergey Bilostenniy at ACB 90 on Nov 10, 2018
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
Evgeniy Goncharov and Tony Johnson Jr. fought to a no contest at ACA 96, leaving the belt vacated.[7]
5 Russia Evgeniy Goncharov
def. Tony Johnson Jr. 		ACA 97
Krasnodar, Russia 		Aug 31, 2019 174 days
6 Russia Mukhamad Vakhaev ACA 104
Krasnodar, Russia 		Feb 21, 2020 ? days
Mukhamad Vakhaev vacated the title in March 2020 when he chose to test the free agency after the end of his contract with ACA.
7 United States Tony Johnson Jr.
def. Daniel Omielańczuk 		ACA 114
Łódź, Poland 		Nov 26, 2020 485 days 1. def. Dmitry Poberezhets at ACA 121 on Apr 23, 2021
2. def. Mukhumat Vakhaev at ACA 132 on Nov 19, 2021
8 Russia Salimgerey Rasulov ACA 138
Grozny, Russia 		Mar 26, 2022 154 days
9 Russia Alikhan Vakhaev ACA 143
Krasnodar, Russia 		Aug 27, 2022 202 days
10 Russia Evgeniy Goncharov (2) ACA 154
Krasnodar, Russia 		Mar 17, 2023 963 days
(incumbent)
 1. def. Anton Vyazigin at ACA 170 on Feb 9, 2024

Light Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
93 kg (205 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Gadzhimurad Antigulov
def. Ruslan Khaskhanov 		ACB 9
Grozny, Russia 		Jun 22, 2014 ? days 1. def. Muslim Makhmudov at ACB 35 on May 6, 2016
Antigulov vacated the title when he signed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
2 Brazil Thiago Silva
def. Jared Ferguson 		ACB 51
Irvine, California, U.S. 		Jan 13, 2017 190 days
3 Russia Batraz Agnaev ACB 65
Sheffield, England 		Jul 22, 2017 287 days
4 Turkmenistan Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov ACB 86
Moscow, Russia 		May 5, 2018 207 days
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
5 Turkmenistan Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov
def. Karol Celinski 		ACA 92
Warsaw, Poland 		Feb 16, 2019 675 days 1. def. Alexey Butorin at ACA 103 on Dec 14, 2019
Yagshimuradov vacated the title on December 22, 2020 when he signed for Bellator MMA.[8]
6 Russia Muslim Magomedov
def. Evgeny Egemberdiev 		ACA 126
Sochi, Russia 		Jul 16, 2021 1572 days
(incumbent)
 1. def. Grigor Matevosyan at ACA 137 on Mar 6, 2022
2. def. Oleg Olenichev at ACA 148 on Nov 18, 2022

Middleweight Championship

[edit]
84 kg (185 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Anatoly Tokov
def. Arbi Aguev 		ACB 38
Rostov-on-Don, Russia 		May 20, 2016
Tokov vacated the title on October 1, 2016 when he signed for M-1 Global due to a contract dispute.[9]
2 Russia Albert Duraev
def. Vyacheslav Vasilevsky 		ACB 77
Moscow, Russia 		Dec 23, 2017 ? days

1. def. Piotr Strus at ACB 89 on Sept. 8, 2018

ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
3 Russia Salamu Abdurakhmanov
def. Brett Cooper 		ACA 95
Moscow, Russia 		Apr 27, 2019 ? days 1. def. Valery Myasnikov at ACA 102 on Nov 29, 2019
— Russia Magomedrasul Gasanov
def. Nikola Dipchikov 		ACA 121
Minsk, Belarus 		Apr 9, 2021 —
Abdurakhmanov vacated the title due to health reasons
4 Russia Magomedrasul Gasanov
promoted to undisputed champion 		ACA 121
Minsk, Belarus 		Apr 9, 2021 1670 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Abdul-Rakhman Dzhanaev at ACA 135 on Jan 28, 2022
2. def. Artem Frolov at ACA 143 on Aug 27, 2022
3. def. Salamu Abdurakhmanov at ACA 161 on Aug 11, 2023
4. def. Ibragim Magomedov at ACA 171 on Feb 25, 2024

Welterweight Championship

[edit]
77 kg (170 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Albert Duraev
def. Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov 		ACB 22
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Sep 12, 2015 ? days

1. def. Michail Tsarev at ACB 35 on May 6, 2016

Duraev was stripped of the title due to him missing weight and his eventual move up to Middleweight.
2 United States Brett Cooper
def. Aslambek Saidov 		ACB 50
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Dec 18, 2016 244 days
3 Russia Mukhamed Berkhamov ACB 67
Grozny, Russia 		Aug 19, 2017 ? days
Berkhamov was stripped of the title after his refusal to accept 3 title defense match ups.
4 Russia Albert Tumenov
def. Ciro Rodrigues 		ACB 89
Krasnodar, Russia 		Sep 8, 2018 81 days
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
5 Russia Albert Tumenov
def. Murad Abdulaev 		ACA 95
Moscow, Russia 		Apr 27, 2019 216 days 1. def. Beslan Ushukov at ACA 102 on Nov 29, 2019
Tumenov vacated the title in November 2019 when he chose to test the free agency after the end of his contract with ACA.
6 Russia Murad Abdulaev
def. Ali Bagov 		ACA 110
Moscow, Russia 		Sep 5, 2020 174 days
7 Russia Abubakar Vagaev ACA 118
Moscow, Russia 		Feb 26, 2021 658 days
8 Russia Vitaly Slipenko ACA 149
Moscow, Russia 		Dec 16, 2022 217 days
9 Russia Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov ACA 160
Moscow, Russia 		Jul 21, 2023 156 days
10 Russia Albert Tumenov (2) ACA 168
Moscow, Russia 		December 24, 2023 681 days
(incumbent)

Lightweight Championship

[edit]
70 kg (155 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov
def. Ali Bagov 		ACB 9
Grozny, Russia 		Jun 22, 2014 1539 days

1. def. Eduard Vartanyan at ACB 32 on Mar 26, 2016
2. def. Ali Bagov at ACB 48 on Oct 22, 2016
3. def. interim champion Eduard Vartanyan at ACB 77 on Dec 23, 2017

— Russia Eduard Vartanyan
def. Andrey Koshkin for interim title 		ACB 71
Moscow, Russia 		Sep 30, 2017 —
2 Russia Ali Bagov ACB 89
Krasnodar, Russia 		Sep 8, 2018 81 days
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
3 Russia Ali Bagov
def. Khuseyn Khaliev 		ACA 99
Moscow, Russia 		Sep 27, 2019 ? days
Title vacated after Bagov moved up to welterweight.
4 Russia Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov (2)
def. Alexander Sarnavskiy 		ACA 111
Moscow, Russia 		Sep 19, 2020 1872 days
(incumbent)

1. def. Hacran Dias at ACA 131 on Nov 5, 2021
2. def. interim champion Mukhamed Kokov at ACA 164 on Oct 4, 2023

— Russia Mukhamed Kokov
def. Hacran Dias for interim title 		ACA 154
Krasnodar, Russia 		Mar 17, 2023 —

Featherweight Championship

[edit]
66 kg (145 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defenses
1 Russia Zabit Magomedsharipov
def. Sheikh-Magomed Arapkhanov 		ACB 31
Grozny, Russia 		Mar 29, 2016 137 days 1. def. Valdines Silva at ACB 45 on September 17, 2016
Magomedsharipov vacated the title on May 4, 2017 when he signed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
2 Russia Marat Balayev
def. Yusuf Raisov 		ACB 50
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Dec 18, 2016 503 days 1. def. Adlan Bataev at ACB 61 on May 20, 2017
— Russia Yusuf Raisov
def. Alexander Peduson 		ACB 77
Moscow, Russia 		Dec 23, 2017 —
3 Russia Yusuf Raisov ACB 86
Moscow, Russia 		May 5, 2018 207 days
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
4 Russia Salman Zhamaldaev
def. Marat Balaev 		ACA 93
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Mar 16, 2019 202 days
5 Brazil Felipe Froes ACA 100
Grozny, Russia 		Oct 4, 2019 539 days
Froes was stripped of the title on March 26, 2021 after failing to make weight for his title defense against Magomedrasul Khasbulaev at ACA 120.
6 Russia Magomedrasul Khasbulaev
def. Felipe Froes 		ACA 120
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Mar 26, 2021 ? days

1. def. Ramazan Kishev at ACA 131 on Nov 5, 2021

— Russia Alikhan Suleymanov
def. Felipe Froes 		AC1 141
Sochi, Russia 		Jul 22, 2022 —
Khasbulaev was stripped of the title after he pulled out of three bouts against Suleymanov. Suleymanov was subsequently promoted to undisputed champion.
7 Russia Alikhan Suleymanov
def. Felipe Froes 		ACA 141
Sochi, Russia 		Jul 22, 2022 364 days
8 Russia Islam Omarov ACA 160
Moscow, Russia 		Jul 21, 2023 837 days
(incumbent)
 1. def. Alexey Polpudnikov at ACA 171 on Feb 25, 2024

Bantamweight Championship

[edit]
61 kg (135 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defense
1 Russia Magomed Magomedov
def. Petr Yan 		ACB 32
Moscow, Russia 		Mar 26, 2016 385 days 1. def. Oleg Borisov at ACB 50 on Dec 18, 2016
2 Russia Petr Yan ACB 57
Moscow, Russia 		Apr 15, 2017 290 days 1. def. Matheus Mattos at ACB 71 on Sep 30, 2017
Yan vacated the title on January 30, 2018 when he signed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
3 Russia Rustam Kerimov
def. Oleg Borisov 		ACB 83
Baku, Azerbaijan 		Mar 24, 2018 249 days
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
4 Russia Rustam Kerimov
def. Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev 		ACA 93
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Mar 16, 2019 ? days

1. def. Francisco Maciel at ACA 103 on Dec 14, 2019

Kerimov vacated the title in December 2019 when he chose to test the free agency after the end of his contract with ACA.
5 Brazil Daniel Oliveira
def. Shamil Shakhbulatov 		ACA 105
Almaty, Kazakhstan 		Mar 6, 2020 385 days 1. def. Abdul-Rakhman Dudaev at ACA 112 on Oct 4, 2020
6 Russia Magomed Bibulatov ACA 120
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		Mar 26, 2021 365 days
7 Russia Oleg Borisov ACA 138
Grozny, Russia 		Mar 26, 2022 755 days 1. def. Rustam Kerimov at ACA 154 on Mar 17, 2023
8 Russia Pavel Vitruk ACA 174
Saint Petersburg, Russia 		April 19, 2024 564 days
(incumbent)

Flyweight Championship

[edit]
57 kg (125 lb)
No. Name Event Date Reign
(total)		 Defense
1 Russia Askar Askarov
def. José Maria Tomé 		ACB 48
Moscow, Russia 		Oct 22, 2016 767 days 1. def. Anthony Leone at ACB 58 on Apr 22, 2017
2. def. Rasul Albaskhanov at ACB 86 on May 5, 2018
ACB and WFCA merged on November 28, 2018 to become ACA.
2 Russia Yunus Evloev
def. Josiel Silva 		ACA 95
Moscow, Russia 		Apr 27, 2019 ? days 1. def. Azam Gaforov at ACA 99 on Sep 27, 2019
Evloev vacated the title in December 2019 for health reasons.
3 Russia Azamat Kerefov
def. Mansur Khatuev 		ACA 104
Krasnodar, Russia 		Feb 21, 2020 597 days

1. def. Kurban Gadzhiev at ACA 113 on Nov 6, 2020
2. def. Rasul Albaskhanov at ACB 127 on Aug 28, 2021

Kerefov vacated the title on October 10, 2021 when he chose to test the free agency.
4 Russia Imran Bukuev
def. Aren Akopyan 		ACA 136
Moscow, Russia 		Feb 26, 2022 364 days
5 Russia Kurban Gadzhiev ACA 152
Grozny, Russia 		Feb 25, 2023 983 days
(incumbent)

Kickboxing

[edit]

Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
120 kg (265 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Ukraine Tsotne Rogava ACB KB 15
Russia Moscow, Russia 		April 20, 2018
1 Brazil Jhonata Diniz
def. Kirk Krouba 		ACB KB 6
Belgium Brussels, Belgium 		June 5, 2016

Middleweight Championship

[edit]
84 kg (185 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Russia Artem Levin
def. Igor Bugaenko 		ACB KB 15
Russia Moscow, Russia 		April 20, 2018

Welterweight Championship

[edit]
77 kg (170 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Azerbaijan Parviz Abdullayev
def. Islam Baibatyrov 		ACB KB 15
Russia Moscow, Russia 		April 20, 2018

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

[edit]

GI Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
120 kg (265 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil Marcus Almeida ACB JJ 13
United States Long Beach, United States 		May 5, 2018
2 Brazil João Gabriel Rocha ACB JJ 10
Brazil São Paulo, Brazil 		January 26, 2018
1 Brazil Luiz Panza
def. Alexander Trans 		ACB JJ 5
Poland Warsaw, Poland 		June 22, 2014

GI Light Heavyweight Championship

[edit]
95 kg (209 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil Felipe Pena
def. Adam Wardziński 		ACB JJ 12
Kazakhstan Almaty, Kazakhstan 		April 14, 2018

GI Middleweight Championship

[edit]
85 kg (187 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil Leandro Lo
def. Gabriel Arges 		ACB JJ 13
United States Long Beach, United States 		May 5, 2018

GI Welterweight Championship

[edit]
75 kg (165 lb)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil Lucas Lepri ACB JJ 14
Russia Moscow, Russia 		June 30, 2018
1 Brazil Davi Ramos
def. Edwin Najmi 		ACB JJ 11
Spain Badalona, Spain 		March 3, 2018

GI Lightweight Championship

[edit]
65 kg (143 lbs)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil Paulo Miyao
def. Augusto Mendes 		ACB JJ 10
Brazil São Paulo, Brazil 		January 26, 2018

1. def. Osvaldo Moizinho at ACB JJ 12 on April 14, 2018 in Almaty, Kazakhstan

GI Featherweight Championship

[edit]
60 kg (132 lbs)
No. Name Event Date Defenses
Current Brazil João Miyao
def. Samir Chantre 		ACB JJ 12
Kazakhstan Almaty, Kazakhstan 		April 14, 2018

1. def. Ary Farias at ACB JJ 14 on June 30, 2018 in Moscow, Russia

Grand Prix champions

[edit]
Event Date Division Winner Runner-up
ACB 22 Sep 12, 2015 Lightweight Russia Ali Bagov Russia Eduard Vartanyan
Welterweight Russia Albert Duraev Russia Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov
ACB 24 Oct 24, 2015 Light Heavyweight Russia Muslim Makhmudov Russia Husein Kushagov
Bantamweight Russia Petr Yan Russia Murad Kalamov
Heavyweight Russia Salimgerey Rasulov Poland Michał Andryszak
Featherweight Russia Zabit Magomedsharipov Russia Abdul-Rakhman Temirov
ACB 26 Nov 28, 2015 Flyweight Russia Velimurad Alkhasov Ukraine Ruslan Abiltarov
ACB 38 May 20, 2016 Middleweight Russia Anatoly Tokov Russia Arbi Aguev
ACA 159 Jun 16, 2023 Lightweight Russia Eduard Vartanyan Kazakhstan Artem Reznikov
ACA 178 Aug 10, 2024 Heavyweight Russia Russia

Notable fighters

[edit]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]

Kickboxing

[edit]

Brazilian jiu-jitsu

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Absolute Championship Akhmat

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formerly Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), is a promotion founded in 2014 and based in the Chechen Republic of . Rebranded in 2018 to align with Akhmat regional forces, it is owned by Chechen leader and serves as a platform to showcase Chechen fighters and promote martial discipline. The organization has conducted over 260 events across and internationally, including in , , and the , featuring bouts in MMA alongside elements of and . Notable for offering competitive purses that rival global promotions, ACA has attracted high-profile talent and positioned itself as Russia's premier domestic MMA league, though it has faced criticism for irregular judging practices and promoter interventions in fights. Its ties to Kadyrov's have drawn , with the promotion functioning as a recruitment pipeline for Chechen militias deployed in conflicts such as the war in .

Origins and Development

Formation as Absolute Championship Berkut

Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) was established in early 2014 as a professional (MMA) league in , the capital of the Chechen Republic, , building on the foundation of the Berkut . The founder, Mairbek Khasiev, a Chechen businessman and physician recognized for his contributions to sports and medicine in the region, had previously launched the Berkut in 2009 to nurture young fighters and promote combat sports locally. Khasiev's initiative aimed to create a structured platform for MMA competitions, emphasizing talent development in the amid growing interest in the sport. The promotion's inaugural formalized event under the ACB banner occurred on March 2, 2014, marking the shift from club-based tournaments to a numbered league series. Prior to this, the Berkut Fight Club had hosted preliminary events, including the Berkut Cup on October 20, 2012, at the Olympic Center, which featured 10 bouts and served as a testing ground for regional fighters. This 2012 cup drew competitors like Dzhambulat Kurbanov and Lom-Ali Nalgiev, establishing early momentum for professional MMA in by showcasing local talent against regional opponents. ACB's formation emphasized unified rulesets aligned with international MMA standards, focusing on weight classes and grand prix formats to attract both emerging and established athletes. From its inception, ACB positioned itself as a vehicle for elevating Chechen MMA on the global stage, with events held primarily in but expanding outreach through international partnerships. Khasiev funded the league personally, prioritizing fighter development over immediate profitability, which allowed for rapid event scheduling—over 80 shows by 2017—and recruitment of prospects from across . The promotion's early success stemmed from its ties to local support and a commitment to high-volume, competitive cards, setting the stage for its growth into multiple disciplines.

Rebranding to Akhmat and Initial Growth


In December 2018, Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) merged with World Fighting Championship Akhmat, resulting in the rebranding of the combined entity to Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA). The merger was announced by Chechen leader on November 28, 2018, integrating the operations and fighter rosters of both promotions under the Akhmat banner, which honors Akhmat Kadyrov, Ramzan's father. This restructuring aimed to unify Russian MMA efforts and elevate the promotion's profile, with the new name reflecting alignment with Chechen regional identity and governance structures. The marked a pivotal expansion phase, leveraging the established infrastructure of ACB—previously recognized as the fastest-growing MMA promotion globally in —with Akhmat's resources to host more frequent and larger-scale events. Post-merger, ACA rapidly increased its event output, conducting multiple tournaments annually, including grand prix formats that drew international talent and boosted viewership in and . By 2020, the promotion had solidified its position as the largest MMA organization in the region, featuring a deep roster of competitive fighters and staging high-profile bouts such as ACA 104 in , which included dual title defenses. This initial growth was supported by state-backed patronage in , enabling venues like the Fight Club Berkut Arena in Tolstoy-Yurt and attracting sponsorships tied to regional development initiatives. The promotion's emphasis on disciplines like MMA, , and , combined with unified rulesets, facilitated talent scouting and development, contributing to a reported roster of over 300 ranked fighters by the mid-2020s and establishing ACA as a key for Russian artists.

Key Milestones in Expansion (2010s)

The Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) held its inaugural professional event on March 2, , marking the launch of its Grand Prix tournament format with the first stage determining early division contenders. This event in , , featured preliminary bouts across multiple weight classes and established the promotion's focus on competitive brackets, drawing from a growing pool of regional talent affiliated with the . Subsequent events in rapidly increased in frequency, with ACB hosting multiple Grand Prix stages that year, solidifying its presence in Russia's MMA landscape through structured title pathways. A pivotal step in visibility came with ACB securing a broadcasting agreement with , Russia's state-owned sports channel, enabling wider domestic reach starting in 2014. This deal facilitated live and replay coverage of events, contributing to audience growth amid the promotion's emphasis on high-volume fight cards featuring up-and-coming fighters. By mid-decade, ACB expanded its roster to include international signees, exemplified by events like ACB 47 on October 1, 2016, held at The SSE Hydro in , —the promotion's first outside Russia—with a card headlined by former UFC fighter Robert Whiteford. The late 2010s saw accelerated international footprint, with ACB staging events across and beyond, including preparations for Middle Eastern markets like the February 23, 2018, card in , . Roster expansion reached approximately 130 fighters across eight weight divisions by this period, supporting diverse disciplines and attracting cross-promotion talent. In September 2018, ACB merged with Akhmat Fight Club elements, rebranding as Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) and acquiring rival TECH-Krep FC to consolidate resources and enhance competitive depth. This restructuring positioned ACA as Russia's premier MMA entity entering the 2020s, with sustained event output exceeding dozens annually.

Ownership and Political Ties

Connection to Ramzan Kadyrov and Chechen Governance

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) is owned and operated under the direct patronage of , the since 2007, who has integrated the promotion into his broader strategy of promoting combat sports as a pillar of Chechen identity and governance. ACA events, often held in , the Chechen capital, serve as platforms for Kadyrov to showcase local fighters and international talent, reinforcing his image as a patron of martial prowess amid his authoritarian rule. The promotion bears the name "Akhmat" in honor of Kadyrov's father, , the republic's first post-war president, symbolizing continuity in the family's political dominance. ACA operates as an extension of Akhmat Fight Club, established by Kadyrov in 2015 with government funding from the Chechen budget, managed by loyalists such as Abuzayed Vismuradov, a high-ranking security official. This structure aligns with Kadyrov's "Path of Akhmat" ideology, which mandates physical training and martial discipline for Chechen youth to instill loyalty, discipline, and readiness for service in state security forces. Fighters from the club have been mobilized into Kadyrov's private militias, including deployments to conflicts such as the war in Ukraine starting in 2022, blurring lines between sports promotion and military recruitment under Chechen governance. In terms of political utility, ACA functions as a tool for consolidating power by associating Kadyrov with successful athletes, who publicly pledge allegiance and participate in state-sanctioned events, thereby legitimizing his regime domestically and projecting Chechen influence internationally. Critics, including Western sanctions bodies, have highlighted these ties as enabling abuses, with the U.S. Treasury designating Akhmat entities in 2020 for Kadyrov's involvement in extrajudicial killings and suppression of dissent. Nonetheless, the promotion's growth—hosting over 100 events since its rebranding—reflects its embedded role in Chechnya's state apparatus, where sports governance prioritizes ideological alignment over independent athletic development.

Akhmat Fight Club Integration

Akhmat Fight Club, established in 2014 as a club in the Chechen Republic with training facilities across , functions as the core training and talent development arm for Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA). The club recruits, trains, and grooms MMA prospects who frequently compete in ACA promotions, providing a steady pipeline of fighters aligned with the organization's Chechen leadership. Numerous ACA roster members, including (40-7-1 record) and (34-10-2), are affiliated with Akhmat Fight Club gyms, contributing to the promotion's competitive depth in divisions like and middleweight. The integration deepened following the December 2018 merger of Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB) and World Fighting Championship Akhmat (WFCA), which created ACA and consolidated Akhmat-branded MMA assets under a single entity. This restructuring incorporated the fight club's infrastructure, enabling shared resources for fighter preparation and event logistics. ACA frequently hosts tournaments at the Fight Club Akhmat Arena in Tolstoy-Yurt, , such as ACA Young Eagles 33 on January 30, 2023, facilitating seamless operational synergy between the club's training programs and the promotion's fight cards. Akhmat Fight Club's president, Abuzaid Vismuradov, has been prominently involved in ACA events, attending high-profile cards like ACA 116 on December 18, 2020, underscoring the club's administrative and strategic influence within the promotion. This embedded relationship enhances ACA's ability to develop regionally dominant talents, with club-trained fighters often securing titles or headlining bouts, as seen in matchups featuring prospects like Magomed Sardalov (6-2 record) from the club's ranks. The model's emphasis on in-house development supports ACA's expansion, though it reflects the centralized control exerted by Chechen authorities over both entities.

Organizational Framework

Disciplines Covered (MMA, Kickboxing, BJJ)

Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) primarily organizes professional (MMA) events, featuring bouts under unified MMA rulesets that integrate striking, , and submissions across multiple weight classes. Since its inception as Absolute Championship Berkut in 2014, ACA has hosted over 190 numbered MMA events as of October 2025, with the majority held in , particularly , , emphasizing high-level competition among regional and international fighters. MMA remains the organization's flagship discipline, drawing top Russian talent and occasional global participants, with events broadcast via and featuring grand prix tournaments for title contention. ACA has occasionally incorporated matches into its event cards, blending stand-up striking rules without to diversify programming. For instance, ACA 130 on April 10, 2021, included one bout alongside 14 MMA fights, showcasing modified rules such as three-minute rounds and kickboxing-specific scoring for punches, kicks, and knees. These integrations appear sporadic rather than forming a dedicated division, serving to highlight specialized strikers within the promotion's ecosystem without establishing ongoing titles or regular series in the discipline. The organization maintains involvement in (BJJ) through the Absolute Championship of (ACBJJ), a affiliated entity focused on gi and no-gi competitions. ACBJJ hosts national and international tournaments, such as the Russian Open Championship, which features divisions by belt level, , and , emphasizing submission techniques like guard passes, sweeps, and chokes. Events under this banner, continuing from the ACB era, prioritize competitive BJJ outcomes over MMA application, with results tracked via platforms like Smoothcomp for bracket progression and medal awards. This BJJ arm complements ACA's MMA focus by developing ground specialists who often transition to the promotion's main roster.

Rulesets and Weight Classes

ACA's mixed martial arts competitions follow professional standards that integrate striking, wrestling, and submission grappling, with referees enforcing prohibitions on fouls including eye gouges, hair pulling, and strikes to the spine or back of the head. Bouts occur in a or ring, typically comprising three five-minute rounds with one-minute intervals for non-title fights and five rounds for championships, judged on criteria such as effective aggression, damage inflicted, and control. While specific codified rules akin to the Unified Rules of are not explicitly published by the promotion, events align with common international MMA protocols, including allowance of elbows and knees in the clinch and on the ground. The promotion maintains eight weight divisions for male MMA fighters, with limits calibrated to metric standards prevalent in Russian and European circuits. Fighters must weigh in within 24 hours of the event, often at or below the class upper limit, with rehydration permitted post-weigh-in. These classes are:
DivisionUpper Weight Limit (kg)
Flyweight57
Bantamweight61
Featherweight66
Lightweight70
Welterweight77
Middleweight84
Light Heavyweight93
Heavyweight120+
For events, rules emphasize stand-up exchanges with punches, kicks above the waist, and limited knee strikes, prohibiting clinch work beyond brief separations and , under a three-round format of three minutes each. Weight classes mirror MMA divisions but may include catchweights for high-profile matchups. competitions under ACA prioritize submission-only without strikes, scored by points for positions like mount and guard passes, with weight classes adjusted for gi and no-gi formats, often aligning with ADCC-inspired brackets such as under 66 kg, 77 kg, 88 kg, 99 kg, and absolute (no limit). These rulesets support the promotion's multi-discipline framework, ensuring adaptability across events while prioritizing competitor safety and competitive integrity.

Event Formats and Grand Prix

ACA events primarily follow a standard card structure, consisting of 10 to 16 bouts divided into preliminary and main cards, contested across multiple weight classes under unified rules adapted from international standards such as those of the Unified Rules of . Each event typically features a headline fight—often a championship bout or high-profile matchup—followed by co-main events and undercard fights, with durations of three five-minute rounds for non-title bouts and five rounds for title defenses, judged on a 10-point must system. Events are held in arenas across and occasionally abroad, such as ACA 194 in on October 23, 2025, emphasizing regional talent alongside international competitors. In parallel, ACA organizes Grand Prix tournaments as multi-stage elimination formats within designated weight divisions to crown division-specific victors or identify elite contenders, spanning several events rather than single nights to accommodate recovery and scheduling. These tournaments feature bracketed matchups, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals distributed across ACA numbered cards; for instance, the lightweight Grand Prix culminated in a final between Eduard Vartanyan and Artem Reznikov at ACA 159 on June 16, 2023, in , . Similarly, ACA 161 in August 2023 hosted six simultaneous Grand Prix bouts across various weights, integrating tournament progression with standard title defenses like Magomedrasul Gasanov's middleweight championship. Announced in late 2022, ACA expanded Grand Prix initiatives to cover all weight classes starting in 2023, with a collective prize pool exceeding $10 million to incentivize participation and elevate competitive stakes, though implementation has focused on select divisions amid logistical challenges. This format draws from predecessor promotions like WFCA, promoting bracket-based progression over linear matchmaking to highlight endurance and adaptability in prolonged campaigns. Precedents include finals under the Berkut banner, such as those at Berkut 8 in 2019, signaling continuity in tournament-style events post-rebranding.

Championships and Competitions

Current MMA Champions by Division

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) awards MMA titles in divisions aligned with unified rules, typically ranging from flyweight to , with champions determined via five-round bouts or tournament finals at events. Titles are defended periodically, often headlining cards in or other Russian venues, emphasizing grappling-heavy styles prevalent among regional fighters. As of October 26, 2025, several divisions have active champions based on recent defenses, while the class remains vacant pending a scheduled on November 7, 2025, between Kornilov and Alikhan Vakhaev.
DivisionChampionLast Title Activity
FlyweightAzamat PshukovDesignated champion per ACA rankings
FeatherweightIslam OmarovUndefeated champion as of September 2024 bout
LightweightAbdul-Aziz AbdulvakhabovDefended title July 11, 2025, vs. (KO/TKO, Round 2)
WelterweightAbubakar VagaevDesignated champion per updated rankings
MiddleweightMagomedrasul GasanovDefended title August 15, 2025, vs. Dmitry Aryshev (TKO, Round 2)
Faridun OdilovWon title August 15, 2025, vs. Leonardo Silva ()
VacantTitle fight scheduled November 7, 2025
Bantamweight listings vary across sources, with Josiel noted as champion in ACA rankings but lacking recent verified defenses; no undisputed holder confirmed post-2024. Champions retain belts until defeated in sanctioned bouts, with ACA prioritizing domestic talent from and regions.

Kickboxing and BJJ Titles

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) incorporates as one of its disciplines, with events featuring bouts under kickboxing rulesets, though the promotion does not maintain perpetual championship belts akin to its MMA divisions. Historical records indicate ACA organized eight tournaments by the end of , alongside MMA and BJJ events, often integrating them into broader fight cards to showcase diverse combat sports. Specific weight classes for kickboxing align loosely with MMA standards, such as and , but verifiable lists of inaugural or current title holders remain undocumented in public sources, suggesting a focus on tournament-style competitions rather than defended titles. In contrast, ACA's (BJJ) arm, known as Absolute Championship of (ACBJJ), operates a structured system through annual and regional events, awarding titles based on gi and no-gi formats, belt levels (white through black), age groups (adult, master), and weight divisions ranging from roosterweight to , plus absolute categories. Competitors qualify via open championships, such as the Russian Open or Eurasian Open, culminating in the ACBJJ , where grand champions are named per division; for instance, Thalison Soares claimed the no-gi 60 kg grand in June 2025. Event results emphasize bracket victories by submission, points, or decision, with recent world opens crowning hundreds of division winners annually, prioritizing technical proficiency over striking. ACBJJ events, held in locations like and international venues, foster a competitive separate from ACA's MMA focus, though sharing organizational ties under the Akhmat banner.

Historical Championship Lineages

The championship lineages of Absolute Championship Akhmat originated under its predecessor, Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), which established inaugural titles in multiple MMA weight classes starting in 2014. These early championships were determined through single bouts or tournaments, reflecting the promotion's focus on regional talent from and the . Key inaugural champions included Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov in (70 kg), who defeated on June 22, 2014, in . In (77 kg), Albert Duraev claimed the title by beating Ustarmagomed Gadzhidaudov on September 12, 2015, in St. Petersburg, though he was stripped shortly after for weight failure. (84 kg) saw as the first holder after defeating Arbi Aguev on May 20, 2016, in , before vacating for an contract. In December 2018, ACB merged with Akhmat Fight Club and other entities, rebranding to Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) while preserving prior lineages. This transition incorporated unifications, such as champion Albert Tumenov absorbing the WFCA title on April 27, 2019. The division (>93 kg), without an ACB equivalent, crowned its first ACA champion in Evgeniy Goncharov via over Tony Johnson on August 17, 2019. Subsequent lineages feature frequent turnovers from knockouts, submissions, and decisions, with champions like Abdulvakhabov reclaiming gold in 2020 after Bagov's vacancy. Vacancies arose from injuries (e.g., Mukhamed Berkhamov in , 2018; Salamu Abdurakhmanov in , 2022) or departures, ensuring ongoing contention. As of 2025, divisions maintain active defenses, underscoring ACA's emphasis on regional dominance and fighter retention.

Rankings Methodology

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) publishes official fighter rankings across multiple weight divisions on its website, including flyweight, , , , , , , and , alongside a pound-for-pound (P4P) category. These rankings list the division champion at the top, followed by numerically ordered contenders, and are updated periodically to reflect outcomes from ACA events. For instance, in the division, rankings feature fighters such as Adlan Ibragimov as champion, with Muslim Magomedov and Elmar Gasanov in the top positions. Although ACA does not publicly disclose a detailed formula for ranking determinations, the system aligns with common MMA promotion practices where hierarchies are established by internal expert evaluation of fighters' records within the organization. Key factors typically include recent win-loss records, the quality and ranking of defeated opponents, finishing methods, and activity levels, with victories over higher-ranked or title-eligible fighters prompting upward movement. Losses to unranked or lower-tier opponents generally result in demotions, ensuring rankings serve as a basis for and title contention. ACA's rankings are distinct from third-party systems like those on or Tapology, which aggregate broader data including cross-promotional results, and instead prioritize performance in ACA-sanctioned bouts to maintain promotional integrity. Updates occur post-event, often highlighting emerging contenders from wins in high-profile grand prix or main card fights, thereby influencing future event lineups and championship opportunities.

Roster and Notable Fighters

Active Competitors Overview

The active competitors in Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) predominantly feature in (MMA) events, forming the core of the promotion's roster, with supplementary participation in and (BJJ) disciplines. As of late 2024, ACA maintains one of the largest MMA rosters globally, with 283 fighters holding world rankings according to Fight Matrix data, reflecting a blend of regional talents and select international imports. Competitors are organized across standard weight classes from flyweight (up to 57 kg) to (over 120 kg), emphasizing endurance, technical grappling, and striking adapted to the promotion's rulesets. A significant portion of active MMA fighters originate from Russia's North Caucasus, particularly Chechnya, Dagestan, and Ingushetia, regions renowned for producing elite wrestlers and sambo practitioners who excel in ground control and submissions. This demographic skew contributes to ACA's stylistic hallmark of wrestling-heavy fights, with many competitors holding national or international amateur titles in freestyle wrestling or combat sambo prior to turning professional. Notable active MMA athletes include lightweight Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov (record: 21-5-0 as of mid-2025), a four-time tournament participant known for decision victories over durable opponents like Alexander Sarnavskiy, and flyweight Azamat Pshukov (14-3-0), ranked among the division's top contenders for his aggressive style. Other standouts encompass heavyweight contenders like Tony Johnson, who headlined ACA 194 on October 23, 2025, against Amirkhan Aliakbari, and featherweight Islam Omarov, praised for blending striking with regional grappling roots. Kickboxing competitors in ACA operate under K-1-style rules, focusing on stand-up exchanges, though the division sees fewer dedicated full-time athletes compared to MMA; events occasionally integrate crossover fighters from the MMA roster for striking showcases. BJJ events, including no-gi tournaments like the ACBJJ Russian Open, draw submission specialists, often overlapping with MMA grapplers, but maintain a smaller pool of pure specialists without widely publicized current rosters. Overall, ACA's active competitors total in the hundreds across disciplines, sustained by frequent events and regional talent pipelines, enabling operational continuity despite external pressures.

Standout MMA Athletes

Islam Omarov has emerged as a prominent contender in ACA, capturing the division's championship through a combination of precise striking and proficiency, with notable victories including a decision win over top challengers in events like ACA 143 on August 27, 2022. His record stands at approximately 15-2 as of recent rankings, positioning him as one of the promotion's most dynamic talents due to his ability to finish fights inside the distance in over 60% of bouts. In the lightweight division, maintains a strong presence as a former champion and Grand Prix finalist, defeating opponents like Abdul-Rakhman Dzhanaev via submission at ACA 135 on January 28, 2022, and showcasing resilience in high-stakes tournaments that highlight ACA's competitive depth. Bagov's career in the promotion includes multiple title defenses and a win rate exceeding 80%, contributing to his status as a reliable draw for international events, such as the planned debut on October 23, 2025, where he faces . Light heavyweight standout Muslim Magomedov ranks among ACA's elite with a professional record of around 18-3, securing top positions through victories over grapplers like Elmar Gasanov and maintaining an undefeated streak in recent defenses as of rankings. His technical wrestling and knockout power have defined key bouts, including championship wins that underscore the promotion's emphasis on durable, high-output fighters from the region. Abdul-Aziz Abdulvakhabov excels in and matchups, holding a 20-win record with consistent top rankings since 2019, highlighted by decision triumphs over durable opponents like Yusuf Raisov in divisional title eliminators. His longevity in ACA, with minimal losses against international competition, reflects the promotion's role in developing fighters capable of transitioning to global stages, though he remains a staple for his defensive and cardio endurance.

Achievements of Kickboxing and BJJ Stars

Badr Hari, a prominent Dutch-Moroccan kickboxer with prior world titles in K-1 and It's Showtime, achieved a third-round TKO victory over Ismael Londt via punches at Akhmat Fight Show Battle 6 in Grozny on December 15, 2018, extending his win streak at the time to five fights, four by stoppage. Roman Kryklia, Ukrainian heavyweight and later GLORY Kickboxing champion, secured a first-round knockout against an opponent at an Akhmat Fight Show event, showcasing his striking power in promotion-affiliated bouts. Zabit Samedov, Azerbaijani veteran with K-1 experience, earned a first-round knockout win in an Akhmat Fight Show matchup, contributing to the promotion's showcase of elite kickboxing talent. Buğra Tugay Erdogan defeated French-Cameroonian kickboxer Freddy Kemayo by unanimous decision in a heavyweight bout at Akhmat Kickboxing, highlighting emerging Turkish prospects in the Akhmat ecosystem. These performances underscore Akhmat's role in hosting high-profile kickboxing clashes, though the promotion's primary focus remains MMA, with kickboxing events often integrated under the broader Akhmat Fight Club banner. Brazilian jiu-jitsu achievements within Absolute Championship Akhmat are less prominently documented compared to MMA and , as the promotion's BJJ activities emphasize integrated seminars and select tournaments rather than standalone star-driven titles. ACB Jiu-Jitsu (predecessor branding) has hosted Russian Open Championships, where competitors like Polina Titarenko claimed absolute gi division wins for blue and purple belts, fostering grassroots development in the discipline. However, no dominant BJJ black-belt stars equivalent to kickboxing headliners have emerged as ACA-specific champions, with excellence more commonly manifesting in MMA submission victories by roster fighters trained under Akhmat's system.

Events and Broadcasting

Major Events List and Venues

The primary venue for Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) events is the Sport Hall Colosseum in , , , which has hosted numerous numbered cards and youth tournaments such as the ACA series. Secondary venues within include the in , the Irina Viner Usmanova Palace in , and the Sibur Arena in St. Petersburg, while international expansions have featured sites like The Agenda in , . Major events often highlight title defenses, grand prix finals, or bouts involving high-profile fighters, contributing to ACA's reputation for competitive matchmaking in Eastern Europe. Key examples include:
EventDateVenueLocationNotes
ACA 107: Emelianenko vs. IsmailovJuly 24, 2020VTB ArenaSochi, RussiaHeadlined by Alexander Emelianenko vs. Magomed Ismailov; marked a significant draw amid the promotion's post-rebranding growth.
ACA 169January 26, 2024Sport Hall ColosseumGrozny, Chechnya, RussiaFeatured a bantamweight title fight, exemplifying ACA's focus on divisional championships in its home base.
ACA 193: Kerimov vs. SelimkhanovOctober 4, 2025Sport Hall ColosseumGrozny, Chechnya, RussiaRecent lightweight headliner underscoring ongoing activity at the primary venue.
ACA 194: Aliakbari vs. JohnsonOctober 2025 (exact date pending)The AgendaDubai, United Arab EmiratesInternational card with fighters from multiple nations, including Iranian Amin Aliakbari vs. American Darrick Minner (noted as Johnson in some listings), signaling expansion efforts.

International Expansion (2020s)

In the early , Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) pursued limited international expansion amid geopolitical challenges, hosting events primarily in and before venturing into the . The promotion's first notable overseas outings occurred in , where ACA 109 took place on August 20, 2020, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in , featuring matchups such as Vitezslav Rajnoch versus Christian Draxler. This was followed by ACA 114 on November 26, 2020, also in , headlined by Marcin Różalski against Tony Johnson in the heavyweight division. These Polish events marked ACA's initial push beyond Russian borders during the decade, drawing local European talent and providing a platform for cross-regional competition despite logistical hurdles from the . Expansion efforts paused in subsequent years, influenced by related to Russia's geopolitical actions, but resumed in with ACA 192 on September 14, 2025, in , —the promotion's first event there in five years. Held at a local venue, the card included fighters from multiple nationalities, such as Armenian competitors, underscoring ACA's strategy to tap into neighboring markets with cultural and logistical affinities to . A significant milestone came later in 2025 with ACA's debut in the , hosting ACA 194 on October 23 at The Agenda Arena in . The event showcased a diverse international roster, including fighters from the , , , , and , with the main event pitting against Tony Johnson in a clash. The co-main featured versus , highlighting ACA's intent to attract global audiences through high-profile bouts in a neutral, sanction-resilient hub like . This Middle Eastern foray represented a pivot toward regions less affected by Western restrictions, enabling broader fighter participation and potential broadcasting reach.

Media Coverage and Accessibility

Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) events are broadcast primarily through the promotion's official website, utilizing a (PPV) model for live streams of major cards, such as ACA 194 featuring Johnson vs. Aliakbari on October 23, 2025. This platform enables direct online access for viewers worldwide, though availability may vary by region due to payment processing and potential . ACA maintains an official YouTube channel for uploading event highlights, full fight replays, and occasional live streams, which has facilitated broader digital accessibility, including for international audiences seeking post-event content. For instance, ACA 190: Gasanov vs. Aryshev was made available via YouTube streams and watch-alongs, drawing views from MMA enthusiasts despite the primary language being Russian. Community platforms like Reddit host discussions on these broadcasts, highlighting their appeal for English-speaking fans despite commentary barriers and lack of mainstream distribution. Media coverage of ACA remains concentrated in Russian sports outlets and niche MMA databases, with detailed event recaps, fighter profiles, and statistics provided on sites like Tapology, which tracks bouts, results, and promotion history without affiliation to Western broadcasters. International attention spikes around expansion events, such as the organization's debut on October 23, 2025, covered in regional publications emphasizing high-profile matchups. Broader Western media engagement is minimal, often overshadowed by geopolitical scrutiny tied to the promotion's Chechen origins rather than athletic merits, limiting exposure on global TV networks.

Geopolitical Impact and Sanctions

US Treasury Sanctions (2020)

On December 10, 2020, the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), designating it under Executive Order 13818 for being owned or controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic. These measures, part of actions marking International Anticorruption Day and International Human Rights Day, targeted entities linked to Kadyrov's network amid allegations of his involvement in serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances in Chechnya. The sanctions added ACA—also known as Promoterskaya Kompaniya Absolyutny Chempionat Akhmat—to OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), prohibiting U.S. persons from conducting any transactions or dealings with the entity, including indirect contributions of funds, goods, or services. This effectively barred ACA from accessing the and froze any assets under U.S. . ACA's designation followed Kadyrov's own prior sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights , reflecting U.S. efforts to disrupt economic resources supporting sanctioned individuals through affiliated organizations. In parallel, OFAC sanctioned Akhmat MMA Fight Club, ACA's associated training entity, on identical grounds of ownership or control by Kadyrov, underscoring the interconnected structure of his sports-related ventures. These actions formed part of a broader package targeting six Chechen entities, including and the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, to limit their operational capacity and international financial engagements. No direct evidence of ACA's independent involvement in abuses was cited; the sanctions hinged on its subordinate ties to Kadyrov.

Responses and Operational Continuity

Following the U.S. Department of the Treasury's designation of Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) on December 10, 2020, as an entity owned or controlled by Ramzan Kadyrov for involvement in serious human rights abuses, the promotion faced restrictions prohibiting transactions with U.S. persons and potential asset freezes on any U.S.-held properties. No official statement from ACA leadership directly addressing the sanctions has been publicly documented, though indirect effects materialized swiftly, including the blocking of ACA's official YouTube channel by the platform in January 2021, alongside other Akhmat-linked sports entities, citing compliance with U.S. sanctions enforcement. This disruption affected international visibility but did not extend to core event production, as ACA's operations remained anchored in Russia, insulated from U.S. financial dependencies. ACA demonstrated operational continuity by sustaining its event schedule without interruption, hosting multiple fights in 2021 and subsequent years primarily in , , and other Russian venues. By adapting to platform restrictions—likely shifting to Russian alternatives like or VK for streaming—the promotion maintained domestic audience engagement, leveraging state-backed infrastructure in to circumvent U.S.-centric technological barriers. The sanctions, focused on isolating sanctioned entities from the U.S. economy, exerted minimal pressure on ACA's , which relies predominantly on local sponsorships, ticket sales, and regional rather than Western markets or partnerships. Long-term resilience is evident in ACA's expansion beyond post-2020, including a planned debut event in on October 25, 2025, featuring international matchups, indicating that non-U.S. jurisdictions remain accessible for growth. This continuity underscores the limited extraterritorial reach of the 2020 sanctions on a domestically oriented entity, as ACA has presided over approximately 3,939 matches across 261 events as of late 2025, with no reported cancellations attributable to the designations. While U.S. measures aimed to disrupt funding streams linked to Kadyrov, empirical outcomes reveal sustained activity, supported by Chechen regional resources and a focus on Russian-language markets.

Ties to Chechen Military Units

Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) maintains direct institutional ties to Chechen military units through its ownership by , the , who commands forces known as the Kadyrovtsy and Akhmat . These units, numbering up to 13,000 personnel as of 2024, operate under the Russian National Guard and have been deployed in conflicts including the war in . The shared "Akhmat" branding derives from Akhmat Kadyrov, Ramzan's father and the namesake of both the promotion—rebranded in his honor—and the special forces established in 2009. Numerous ACA fighters hold concurrent roles in these military units, exemplifying the promotion's function as a talent pipeline for Kadyrov's forces. Sulim Baralov, an undefeated ACA competitor, serves as an officer in the Kadyrovtsy and has fought in ; he competed at ACA 177 in on June 28, 2024, dedicating his victory over Oleg Olenichev to Anzor Bisayev, an commander linked to the units. Similarly, Beslan Ushukov, a former ACA champion, is a member of the Special Chechen Forces, with Kadyrov personally promoting his career. Kadyrov's sons, including Ali Kadyrov—who debuted in ACA on December 23, 2022—and Akhmad, , and , have participated in ACA events while claiming involvement in military operations, such as capturing Ukrainian POWs with the West-Akhmat in October 2022. ACA's training facilities, funded by the Chechen government budget since the promotion's expansion around 2015, double as preparation grounds for , channeling skilled combatants into Kadyrov's private army amid ongoing deployments in . This integration fosters loyalty among Chechen youth, blending athletic competition with martial readiness, though independent verification of recruitment scale remains limited due to the opaque nature of Kadyrov's operations.

Controversies and Criticisms

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) has been linked to allegations of violations primarily through its ownership and control by , the , whom the has designated as responsible for serious abuses including extrajudicial killings, , and enforced disappearances. In December 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned ACA under Executive Order 13818, which targets perpetrators of serious abuse, citing the promotion's direct ownership or control by Kadyrov and his associates, known as the Kadyrovtsy, who have been accused of illegal abductions, beatings of detainees, and other gross violations in . These sanctions extended to related entities, reflecting broader U.S. actions against Kadyrov's network for enabling a climate of in , where independent reports document systematic repression, including the targeting of critics, journalists, and perceived opponents. Critics, including advocates and analysts, have argued that ACA functions as a tool for "sportswashing," whereby Kadyrov leverages the promotion's international visibility to project an image of cultural and athletic prowess, thereby diverting attention from documented abuses under his rule, such as the 2017 anti-LGBTQ+ purges involving detention camps and extrajudicial executions. For instance, events hosted by ACA in , Chechnya's capital, have been cited as platforms that normalize Kadyrov's authority amid ongoing reports of and suppression of dissent, with MMA serving to recruit loyalty and glorify Chechen fighters tied to his security forces. Kadyrov's personal involvement in ACA, including promoting fighters from his Akhmat fighting club, has fueled claims that the organization indirectly sustains a system rewarding allegiance in a region plagued by enforced disappearances and politically motivated killings, as evidenced by U.S. designations of Kadyrov-linked individuals for the 2015 murder of opposition figure . ACA representatives have denied any direct involvement in human rights violations, asserting that the promotion focuses solely on sports and that sanctions represent politically motivated interference rather than evidence of wrongdoing. Following the 2020 sanctions, platforms like restricted ACA's official channel, amplifying scrutiny but not yielding admissions of culpability from the organization. Independent verification of specific ACA personnel's roles in abuses remains limited, with allegations centering on structural ties to Kadyrov's rather than operational by the promotion itself; however, the U.S. has maintained that entities under Kadyrov's influence materially support his capacity to commit such acts. These links have persisted despite international pressure, with ACA continuing operations in amid broader sanctions on Kadyrov since 2017 for fostering an environment of fear and violence.

Sportswashing and Propaganda Claims

Critics, including analysts focused on the region, have accused Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) of functioning as a tool for sportswashing by Chechen leader , who owns or controls the promotion and uses it to project a positive image of and his regime despite documented human rights abuses, such as extrajudicial killings and suppression of dissent. This aligns with broader patterns of "martial arts washing," a variant of sportswashing where combat sports events featuring international stars are leveraged to distract from authoritarian governance and bolster personal cults of personality. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned ACA on December 10, 2020, explicitly for being owned or controlled by Kadyrov, who was designated under the Global Magnitsky Accountability Act for "serious abuse," including and extrajudicial killings; these sanctions prohibited U.S. persons from transactions with ACA, underscoring its integration into Kadyrov's network of influence. Events under ACA banners often incorporate elements tied to Kadyrov's "Path of Akhmat" ideology, which glorifies his father Akhmat Kadyrov as Chechnya's savior and promotes a Chechen identity; for instance, fights conclude with chants of "Akhmat Sila" (Akhmat Power), reinforcing loyalty to the ruling family. Kadyrov has utilized ACA to advance dynastic propaganda, such as staging the professional MMA debut of his son Ali Kadyrov on December 23, 2022, at ACA 150 in Moscow's , where the bout—widely perceived as scripted—ended with Ali dominating his opponent and celebrating with symbolic gestures aligned with family branding. Internationally, ACA events have hosted Western MMA figures and celebrities like Mike Tyson for appearances, which critics argue serves to launder Kadyrov's reputation abroad and divert attention from domestic purges, including anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns. Such tactics echo earlier observations of Kadyrov's MMA empire as a vehicle, predating ACA's , to glorify his rule through sports achievements and national pride narratives. While sources advancing these claims, often from Western or exile-based outlets, reflect systemic biases against non-democratic regimes—and Kadyrov's documented abuses provide causal grounds for scrutiny—the promotions' scale, with over 280 ranked fighters globally as of December 2024, suggests genuine sporting activity amid the political overlay. No independent Chechen has disputed the ideological ties, but operational continuity post-sanctions indicates resilience against external pressure.

Fighter Recruitment and Ukraine Involvement

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) and affiliated Akhmat MMA fight clubs function as primary recruitment and training hubs for young Chechen men, emphasizing physical conditioning, combat skills, and ideological loyalty to , with many participants transitioning directly into his paramilitary units such as the Kadyrovtsy. Over 5,000 individuals train at these facilities, where serves not only as a but as a mechanism to cultivate and readiness for , though only a small fraction pursue professional careers. Abuzayed Vismuradov, president of Akhmat MMA and a close Kadyrov associate, plays a central role in selecting and preparing fighters for deployment, leveraging the clubs' to identify suitable recruits based on performance and allegiance. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of in February 2022, ACA-linked fighters have been integrated into Akhmat and other Chechen units fighting on the front lines, with the MMA programs explicitly repurposed to support wartime mobilization. Examples include Beslan Ushukov, a former Akhmat MMA champion who serves in the Special Chechen Forces and has been deployed to conflict zones, and Sulim Baralov, who competed in ACA events immediately after frontline service in while affiliated with Chechen . Kadyrov has publicly stated that dispatched over 26,000 fighters to by May 2023, with a significant portion drawn from MMA training pools, including volunteers funneled through Akhmat structures into assaults in areas like . This recruitment model has drawn international scrutiny, including U.S. Treasury sanctions in and citing Kadyrov's use of MMA organizations to bolster Russia's war efforts by enlisting fighters via promises of prestige and financial incentives within the Chechen system. Fighters often publicly dedicate victories in ACA bouts to ongoing operations in , reinforcing the clubs' role in and morale-building, though reports indicate high casualty rates among deployed Chechen contingents. The pipeline persists despite Kadyrov's reported issues, with units like Sever-Akhmat continuing roles as replacements for groups such as Wagner.

Achievements and Influence

Global Ranking and Scale

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) holds the second position in MMA Oracle's global promotion rankings, trailing only the (UFC) with a score of 22,375 points derived from aggregating fighters' performance ratings across divisions. This metric emphasizes the quality and depth of ACA's roster, particularly in wrestling and grappling-heavy styles prevalent among Dagestani and Chechen competitors, positioning it ahead of the (PFL) at 18,641 points and at 14,109 points. Independent analyses, such as those from Fight Matrix, further underscore ACA's scale through documentation of 349 bouts and 297 rated fighters, reflecting a robust event history since its rebranding from Absolute Championship Berkut in 2016. In absolute terms of operational scale, ACA hosts approximately 10-15 events annually, primarily in , with key venues in , , and cities like and St. Petersburg, drawing local attendances in the thousands but lacking the UFC's international touring model of 40+ events yearly across multiple continents. Its fighter pool exceeds 200 active competitors, many of whom remain loyal due to reportedly high retention through competitive pay structures that deter transitions to Western promotions like the UFC or . Geographically, ACA's influence extends mainly to the (CIS) region, with occasional events abroad curtailed by geopolitical factors including U.S. sanctions imposed in 2020 on associated entities. Economically and in media reach, ACA lags behind global leaders; while the UFC generates billions in annual revenue through partnerships and pay-per-view sales exceeding 1 million buys for marquee events, ACA relies on domestic Russian broadcasting via and regional sponsorships, with no verified international streaming deals on par with or Bellator's exposure. This regional focus yields a dedicated but niche audience, bolstered by Chechen state support, yet limits broader global scalability compared to promotions with diversified revenue from North American and Asian markets.

Contributions to Russian and Chechen MMA

Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA) has played a pivotal role in advancing (MMA) in and since its inception in 2014 as Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), with a rebranding to ACA in 2018 to align with regional institutions in . By hosting over 260 events and facilitating approximately 3,900 professional matches, ACA has established itself as Europe's largest MMA promotion and the world's second-largest by roster size, encompassing 302 fighters per Fight Matrix assessments. These efforts have professionalized the sport domestically, offering structured competition and financial incentives that were previously scarce in Russian regional circuits. In , ACA's frequent events in , such as ACA 169 on January 26, 2024, have elevated MMA's visibility and participation rates, integrating it into local sports culture through high-attendance spectacles that attract thousands. The promotion collaborates with regional training infrastructures, including Akhmat-affiliated gyms established around 2015, to scout and nurture talent from the , where combat sports resonate with traditional values of resilience and discipline. This has resulted in a surge of Chechen and Dagestani-origin fighters gaining exposure, with ACA serving as a that hones skills in grappling-heavy styles prevalent in the region. ACA's fighter development pipeline has directly influenced international MMA by transitioning regional standouts to global promotions like the UFC. Notable examples include , a former ACA competitor who debuted in the UFC in 2017, and others like Alexey Kunchenko, whose ACA experience bolstered their records before higher-profile bouts. The organization's emphasis on divisional rankings and grand prix tournaments has produced champions such as Islam Omarov in and Magomedrasul Gasanov in , many of whom embody the technical prowess emerging from Russian academies. By 2025, ACA's expansion to events in , , and has further amplified Russian MMA's reach, contributing to the country's dominance in lighter weight classes worldwide.

Talent Pipeline to International Promotions

The Absolute Championship Akhmat (ACA), formerly Absolute Championship Berkut (ACB), has functioned as a developmental league for mixed martial artists who subsequently secure contracts with major international promotions such as the (UFC) and . Fighters typically build competitive records, often including title wins, in ACA events before transitioning, reflecting the promotion's role in honing talent amid Russia's robust regional MMA ecosystem. This pipeline has been acknowledged by ACA leadership as a marker of organizational success, with executives noting that elevating fighters to global stages validates their scouting and training infrastructure. Notable examples include bantamweight Petr Yan, who captured the ACB bantamweight title via unanimous decision over Matheus Mattos on December 17, 2016, before signing with the UFC and debuting successfully in March 2018; Yan later challenged for and won the UFC interim bantamweight championship in July 2021. Similarly, middleweight Albert Duraev, a former ACB welterweight and middleweight champion, entered the UFC roster around 2020, competing in events like UFC 267 against fellow ACB veteran. Flyweight Askar Askarov also claimed the ACB flyweight title by fifth-round submission over Jose Maria Tome in 2016, paving the way for his UFC entry where he amassed a 6-0-1 record before departing in 2021. These cases illustrate ACA's capacity to produce technically proficient grapplers and strikers adaptable to higher-level scrutiny. In the light heavyweight division, ACA champion Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov signed with on December 21, 2020, bringing his undefeated streak and title pedigree to the American promotion, where he debuted in 2021. Such moves underscore ACA's appeal as a for prospects seeking broader exposure, though success rates vary due to factors like stylistic mismatches and setbacks observed in international debuts. Overall, while not rivaling promotions like in volume, ACA's output contributes to the influx of Russian and North Caucasian talent into Western leagues, with at least a half-dozen verified transitions documented since the 2014-2019 ACB era.

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