Russian mixed martial artist Alexander Shlemenko, fresh off his triumph over Anatoly Tokov at RCC 21, has candidly discussed his future fighting plans and the state of his career. After securing the victory on December 14th with a split decision, Shlemenko captivated not just his supporters but also those who had placed bets against him, much to their delight. "I wanted to tell people to bet on me before the fight, but then I thought, ‘No, maybe I shouldn’t encourage betting,’" he joked, reflecting on the surprising odds stacked against him prior to the match.
Despite being seen as the underdog, Shlemenko expressed gratitude for the unexpected outcomes, admitting he finds betting odds somewhat baffling. “I don’t really understand how those odds are created. It could lead someone to ruin!” he mused. Yet, he took solace knowing fans collected winnings off his unexpected victory.
The last year proved to be transformative for Shlemenko. "It’s been great for me. I’ve won everything possible," he remarked, highlighting his impressive six-fight winning streak. Free from injuries and buoyed by the support from his fans, he feels ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead. With the upcoming celebration of his wife's birthday right around the corner, the win has lifted his spirits immensely, saying, "Can you picture how awkward it would have been to celebrate if I had lost? Now it’s just about enjoying life!"
Throughout his career, Shlemenko has faced both admirers and detractors. He commented on the increase of naysayers, chuckling as he noted, “Every time I step out, I see people who genuinely care for my success.” Minor social media trolls have tried to sway public opinion, but he remained unbothered. “When I looked at the crowd’s energy toward me post-fight, it was clear I had the support of many. Guess it’s their opinion against reality,” Shlemenko stated with satisfaction.
While reflecting on his potential opponents, the conversation veered toward Elizaveta Kurchenko, with whom Shlemenko previously clashed. He seems less enthusiastic about re-matching with Ivan Shtyrkov. “To be honest, it’s not something I find intriguing,” he confessed when asked about the possibility of fighting Shtyrkov. Instead, he seemed more motivated to face fellow notable fighters.
Looking forward, Shlemenko has already outlined aspirations for 2025. “I don’t really have the luxury of estimating how many fights I’ll have; it depends on the offers and the opponents,” he explained. He seemed optimistic about pursuing two to three fights next year but pointed out the importance of choosing quality opponents over quantity. “A rematch with Khaniqat at ‘G-Drive Arena’ has the potential to be electrifying,” he hinted.
Engaging with fans across various cities reinforces his status as the 'people’s champion.' He recalled how one fan from Kazakhstan traveled just to see him fight. “They support me not just for my skills but for the values I promote,” Shlemenko noted. His sense of responsibility toward his audience appears significant; he feels it not only motivates him but also adds weight to his performances.
After achieving his current ranking, the fighter finds himself at the crossroads of significant opportunities. “I feel like I’ve finally connected with the top levels, but I stay grounded. Every fight is pivotal. If I had lost, my plans would have looked very different,” he shared.
The psychological aspect of maintaining his status among top competitors seemed to play heavy on his mind. The exhilarating nature of competing at high-stakes events drives him. “It’s all about progression. I want to see how close I can get to the top. Each time I step up, I feel the thrill,” he admitted, enthusiasm shining through.
It’s no surprise then, Shlemenko urges fellow fighters to stay true to themselves and their chosen paths. “We’re all there for the same reasons. Standing firm amid criticism matters. Genuine people will notice those who stay authentic,” he affirmed, demonstrating his belief in integrity within the competitive sphere.
Going forward, Shlemenko's focus seems unwavering, as he prepares not just for imminent fights but also seeks to contribute to his promotion's event schedule, boasting plans for at least two major tournaments next year. “Not just plans for myself—everyone wants to see their champions. That’s my drive,” he concluded, preparing for his continued battle both inside and outside the octagon.
