Former UFC fighter Aleksei Oleinik`s BKFC debut did not go as planned.
With an extensive career spanning over 80 fights, the MMA veteran has competed globally across various disciplines, with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship being his latest venture.
Known primarily for his submission skills, Oleinik competed in the UFC heavyweight division 17 times, maintaining a winning record upon his departure in 2022. Notably, Oleinik secured three submission victories via neck crank and two through Ezekiel Chokes during his UFC tenure, a remarkable feat for a heavyweight.
However, Oleinik`s grappling expertise proved ineffective in his inaugural bare-knuckle boxing match against Gerônimo dos Santos, a fellow veteran with 72 fights, at BKFC 71 in Dubai.
Aleksei Oleinik Knocked Out in BKFC Debut
On Friday, the 47-year-old Oleinik entered the Squared Circle for the first time, in what might be his last appearance, as dos Santos overwhelmed him in the first round.
With just over 20 seconds remaining in the round, dos Santos unleashed a powerful overhand right that connected cleanly with Oleinik`s chin.
Despite having absorbed significant blows throughout his career from heavyweight knockout artists like Derrick Lewis and Alistair Overeem, this bare-knuckle punch rendered Oleinik unconscious on the canvas, eyes closed and face upwards.
Aleksei Oleinik’s Fighting Future
Despite this setback, Oleinik indicates that continuing to fight is a necessity for him.
Following a divorce he did not desire, Oleinik openly discussed the stark realities of his situation and his projected fighting timeline.
“I have 2-3 fights left,” Oleinik stated to Sport24 before the fight.
“I am physically and mentally exhausted. I don`t want to, and I can`t continue much longer.”
“My psychological resources are also depleted. I don’t want to fight. If I continue now… selling my health for money, I`ll earn 200 thousand, then 180, 90, 70… Eventually, I’ll be crawling into the ring for thirty thousand, then for twenty.”
“I don`t want to reach that point and gradually sell myself off in parts, piece by piece, like many fighters have done and still do. I don`t want that. But I’m forced to do it,” Oleinik confessed.
