Guys, ARB is basically Combat Sambo with very minor changes. Most MMA fighters from Russia/Caucasus will NOT have ARB as a background, instead they will have Combat Sambo as a background. In fact, Khabib is an International Master of Combat Sambo appointed by the Russian government (not in ARB).
The techniques and the mindstyle of ARB seem to be very similar to combat sambo, where your game plan is to throw some punches (rarely kicks) ---> get as close as possible -------> do a judo throw. The only difference between the two is that the gi color in combat sambo is blue and red, while in ARB it is just white. Also, the ARB headgear has a ice hockey-type headgear while combat sambo has a boxing-type headgear.
Unfortunately, in countries outside of Russia, it is really hard to verify how good your Combat Sambo (or ARB) coach really is and to verify if it is a McDojo or not. There are no belt systems / BJJ-type lineage in Russia, so there are not that many ways to confirm the trainer's quality. Here are a few ways:
-If the person has won enough fights in ARB and Combat Sambo, they might have a Master of Sports certificate, which is an official recognition given by Post-Soviet governments (my coach Steve has one).
-You can always spar with him and see his level.
-Check his social media, I am serious. A lot of the real Sambo guys around the world know each other. He should have friends who are known names in the Sambo industry (which is pretty small outside of Post-Soviet countries). For example, in the US, all Sambo coaches around the country basically know each other.
-Ask him if he has any videos/photos of his fights.