Alexander Shlemenko has made headlines by defeating Anatoly Tokov at the RCC 21 fighting tournament held recently at the KRK Uralets arena in Yekaterinburg, Russia. This fight was particularly significant as it was a rematch between the two competitors, with Tokov having claimed victory over Shlemenko six years prior at Bellator 208.
The bout, which took place on December 14, 2023, saw Shlemenko, aged 40, fight with effective strategy against the 34-year-old Tokov. The match unfolded without remarkable intensity but was characterized by numerous clinches where Shlemenko excelled, landing 31 knee strikes to Tokov's 8. These statistics reportedly played a pivotal role factored by the judges when it came down to scoring.
Indeed, the fight ended with Shlemenko winning by split decision, with scores reading 30-27 and 29-28 from two judges, and Tokov receiving 29-28 from the third judge. This victory marked not only Shlemenko's 67th career win but also served as his fifth consecutive triumph since suffering his last defeat against Magomed Ismailov.
Tokov, reflecting on his loss, expressed disappointment but demonstrated determination, stating, "Что-то в подготовке было не так. Но ничего – сделаем выводы, исправим все ошибки. Это был ровный бой. Хочу реванш. В реванше перееду Александра, уверен в этом," which translates to, "Something was off in my preparation. But it's okay - we will learn from this, fix all mistakes. It was an even fight. I want a rematch. I will take Alexander down in the rematch, I'm sure of it." His earnest desire for another opportunity showcases the competitive spirit both athletes possess.
Shlemenko's performance has surely added momentum to his already glittering career, having now avenged his previous loss to Tokov. This latest victory has amplified their rivalry as Tokov had earlier put his opponent under tremendous pressure, performing admirably to capture the win at their first encounter.
After expressing admiration for Shlemenko's physical condition during the fight, Tokov lamented, "На душе сейчас грех – уныние. Осадок сильный, потому что ничего не смог показать," which translates to, "I feel regret and sadness. There's a heavy burden because I couldn’t show anything." His self-reflection indicates not only the weight of defeat but also the pivotal lessons he plans to incorporate as he prepares for any potential rematch.
Shlemenko's victory at RCC 21 underlines his resilience and tenacity, marking another milestone as he continues to excel and dominate the sport even at 40 years old. His career has, without question, created ripples through the MMA community, and many fans look on with excitement as to what lies next for both fighters. This rematch has left the door open for questions about another confrontation, as Tokov's spirited desire for revenge breathes new life back to their rivalry.
All eyes will likely remain on the two fighters as they chart their future courses, with Shlemenko solidifying his legacy, but Tokov planning to make necessary adjustments to emerge victorious should they face off again. The anticipation surrounding any sequel to this engaging story stirs excitement, confirming not only their competitive nature but the rich narrative storyline they continue to share.
The legacy of the relentless rivalry between Shlemenko and Tokov lingers, as both competitors sense unfinished business. Future bouts could not only serve as another chance for ego reparation and story completions but may also entice fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
