Aleksei Oleinik`s first fight in BKFC did not go as expected.
The MMA veteran, with over 80 professional fights, has competed globally across various combat sports, with bare-knuckle boxing being his latest venture.
Known primarily for his grappling expertise, Oleinik competed 17 times in the UFC heavyweight division, maintaining a winning record before his departure in 2022. Notably, he secured three submission victories by neck crank and two by Ezekiel Choke in UFC.
However, Oleinik`s grappling skills were ineffective in his bare-knuckle boxing debut against Gerônimo dos Santos, a veteran of 72 fights, at BKFC 71 in Dubai.
Aleksei Oleinik Suffers First Round KO 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 defeated him decisively in the first round.
With just over 20 seconds remaining in the round, dos Santos landed a powerful overhand right that connected cleanly with Oleinik`s chin.
Despite having absorbed significant strikes throughout his career from heavy hitters like Derrick Lewis and Alistair Overeem, this bare-knuckle blow knocked Oleinik unconscious, leaving him on the canvas with his eyes closed and face upwards.
Aleksei Oleinik`s Future in Fighting
While this defeat is a setback for Oleinik, the UFC veteran has stated that he feels compelled to continue fighting due to personal circumstances.
Oleinik mentioned in an interview with Sport24 prior to the fight, “I have 2-3 fights left… I can’t physically do it anymore. I don’t want to, and I can’t.”
He further elaborated on his motivations, stating, “My psychological resources are depleted too. I don’t want to fight. If I keep going now… selling my health for money, I’ll earn 200 thousand, then 180, 90, 70… Then I’ll be crawling out to 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 concluded.
