Will former Bellator Middleweight World Champion Alexander Shlemenko finally make his way into the UFC?
The Russia native has been in the MMA game for nearly 20 years, competing in Fight Nights Global, M-1 Global, and Russian Cagefighting Championship, along with Bellator MMA. The middleweight has amassed a huge record of 59 wins and 12 losses, besting top prospects such as Maiquel Falcão, Doug Marshall, and Kendall Grove.
Despite his major accomplishments, as the 35-year-old also won the M-1 Global Middleweight Grand Prix Championship and World Kickboxing Network MMA European 75 kg Championship, he’s never been given an opportunity to step inside a UFC ring.
Shlemenko told championat.com that he was hoping an opportunity would come in 2020, which is why he hasn’t renewed his contract with Bellator MMA; however, the coronavirus epidemic has clearly put a damper on his plans at the moment:
“I have a great desire to get into the UFC , and I'm already halfway there. Now I do not sign a contract with any organization just because of one goal - to get into the UFC and pick up the title. I believe in myself, everything will work out. But I, of course, will have contract requirements. This is for young fighters to get into the UFC - a dream and a fairy tale, and back in 2010 I could subscribe there.
But due to conditions and other points, I chose Bellator. I think I was not mistaken. But now I have not renewed the contract, although they offered gorgeous conditions. If I chose money, as in 2010, I would not leave. But I did a hard job to get rid of the contract. Now I am completely free. There was a desire to go to the UFC this year, but the pandemic confused the cards. Now many people will be left without work, as well as the fighters, too. ”
At the moment, everything is currently on hold in the world of mixed martial arts. While the UFC appears to be set to run new shows next month, Scott Coker has cancelled numerous shows in May and the Bellator MMA President won’t be changing his tune until the coronavirus situation gets better.