Russian mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Grigory Ponomarev offered his reflections on the crossover interview with host Dmitry Guberniev and his rival Muhumat Vakhaev. The exchange was captured for broadcast by Match TV, and the takeaway centers on how the two sides handled the moment and what it reveals about their approach to a high-stakes matchup.
During a press conference, the media scene around Dmitry Guberniev sometimes reads as intense, but Ponomarev explained that the presenter was not angry or aggravated. Instead, Guberniev talks with gusto, and at times the cadence rubs some people the wrong way—yet his focus remains clear. The fighter noted that Guberniev appeared a touch surprised rather than upset, a reaction that underscored the electric atmosphere of a buildup event where every comment can carry weight with fans and bettors alike.
Plans for the clash between Ponomarev and Vakhaev called for August 11, with ACA 161 serving as the backdrop in Moscow. The bout is framed as a marquee confrontation within a regional scene that has long attracted attention from North American audiences curious about the depth of talent driving European and Eurasian MMA circuits. For fans watching from Canada and the United States, the matchup is a reminder that ACA events are a vehicle for stylistic variety, featuring aggressive striking, grappling exchanges, and the tactical chess of fight-night decision-making.
Ponomariov’s professional journey includes a debut in the AMC Fight Nights league in late 2020. His first opponent was Shakhmaral Dzhepisov, a Kazakh competitor whose own run had drawn respect for resilience. The fight ended with Dzhepisov being knocked out in the opening round, signaling Ponomarev’s ability to impose heavy pressure early in a fight. Through a stretch of bouts that followed, he built a record of six wins against two losses, a trajectory that has attracted notice from coaches and analysts evaluating potential matchups at both regional and international levels. The early chapter of his career illustrates a common pathway for fighters who progress from regional circuits to larger stages, sharpening technique and composure under the bright lights and escalating stakes of professional MMA.
From the broader vantage point, the voice of the sport in Russia, the ACC/ACA circuits, and the global MMA ecosystem intersect in stories like Ponomarev’s. The article notes a standout competitor described as