Kazakh mixed style (MMA) fighter Kuat Khamitov described the upcoming clash with Russian veteran Alexander Shlemenko as one of the most talked about and important bouts on the calendar. He shared these thoughts in an interview with Legalbet.kz, emphasizing the bout’s high profile and potential impact on the sport in the region.
Khamitov stressed that he does not anticipate any issues with the fight taking place. He said this match stands out as the most relevant and widely discussed fight at the moment. He touched on negotiations with RCC, noting that a fee offered for Shlemenko was modestly different depending on whether another organization might have had the ability to meet its obligations after a previous event. He suggested the numerical gap between offers was not large, and that Shlemenko’s value sits in a similar range across potential promotions.
The fighter pointed out that several factors will determine the fight’s success beyond the contract figures. Fan interest, broadcast plans, and the overall visibility of the match all play a role. With two recognizable names entering the cage, both sides have already laid the groundwork for a major event. Regardless of gate receipts and other commercial considerations, Khamitov indicated that negotiations have reached a conclusive stage and the ball is in the court of the promoters and TV partners.
The upcoming event is scheduled for May 4 and will be held in Chelyabinsk. The arena is the home ground for the Kontinental Hockey League club Traktor, and the fight is slated to anchor RCC 19, underscoring its status as the main event of the night.
Khamitov, 36, brings a record of 26 wins, seven losses, and two draws in MMA. Shlemenko, aged 39, has fought in 78 MMA bouts, compiling 62 victories and 15 defeats. One of Shlemenko’s encounters ended in a draw, while another was ruled void. These numbers reflect a long and storied career with deep experience in the sport and a history of resilient performances under pressure.
Shlemenko has competed at a high level since 2004 and is best known for his work in Bellator MMA, the American promotion where he earned the middleweight title and defended it three times. His experience in top-tier events adds a layer of prestige to the match, as fans anticipate a battle between a seasoned title challenger and a capable challenger who has built his own reputation in the regional circuit and beyond.
In recent remarks, Shlemenko has even described challenges facing modern Russia as part of his broader perspective on the sport and its fans, underscoring how the sport continues to evolve and attract new interest while honoring the careers of its established stars. The upcoming bout therefore represents not only a test of skill and strategy but also a moment that could shape perceptions of the sport in the region for years to come.