Alexander Shlemenko, once the Bellator middleweight champion, faced more than just opponents inside the cage. The fighter and his wife reportedly received threatening calls, a troubling reminder of the risks that can come with public life and competitive sport. Shlemenko recalled the experiences with a calm measured tone, noting that he doesn’t dwell on every message. He said some threats arrived in the form of jokes or comments about the Ukraine situation, yet his focus remains on protecting those close to him. “Threatening messages? There were some, but I don’t read them much. A laugh about the Ukraine issue tried to get under my skin. But mostly they threaten my wife, and these messages never reach me directly. The weak prey on the weak, but I won’t be baited into a confrontation,” he explained. (Match TV)
In the ring, Shlemenko continued to add chapters to a storied career. In July 2023, he defeated Brazilian fighter Alex Oliveira in the opening round of a tournament held in Omsk, adding another win to a long list of competitive moments. The bout marked a return to the octagon for a veteran who has spent years pitting his skills against a diverse array of opponents on the global stage.
Across his professional tenure, Shlemenko assembled an extensive MMA record, competing in 78 fights with 62 victories and 15 losses. One bout featuring a Russian contender ended in a draw, while another contest was ruled void, reflecting the sometimes unpredictable nature of combat sports.
Shlemenko has been active in professional MMA since 2004, earning recognition not only for his time in Bellator MMA but also for his presence in a variety of promotions and tournaments around the world. He is widely remembered for having held the middleweight title and successfully defending it on three separate occasions, a testament to his durability, strategic approach, and ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes environments.
In recent discourse, another prominent figure, Makhachev, has faced public scrutiny over allegations related to cheating, a topic that underscores the broader debates within the sport about integrity, competition, and the scrutiny athletes endure from fans and critics alike. (Related commentary)