MMA Fighter of the Week: Aleksei Oleinik

MMA Fighter of the Week: Aleksei Oleinik

By Kieran Cobley 

This week’s MMA Fighter of the Week award is given to Russian fighter Aleksei Oleinik after his first round submission victory over future UFC hall of fame, Mark Hunt.

This was an exciting heavyweight clash, taking place in front of the Russian fighter’s home crowd in Moscow, where he hoped to add another submission victory to his record by defeating the master of the walk off KO, Hunt.

The fight started as many suggested it would with Hunt utilising his Muay Thai skills, clipping Oleinik with a few shots while trying to set up his big KO shot.

Indeed Hunt landed a few big shots that looked to have damaged Oleinik’s jaw, but the Russian was able to keep going against the “Super Samoan”, before moving in with a slick takedown.

Once on the floor, Oleinik utilised his superior grappling, taking Hunt’s back and locking in a rear naked choke, which Hunt quickly tapped out of though, however, many think Hunt may have been able to fight the submission a little while longer to be saved by the bell.

Oleinik now moves to 57-11-1, with an impressive 45 submission wins but what’s next for the number 10 ranked UFC heavyweight.

Oleinik said in his post fight media appearances that he wants a top five ranked fighter next, but with the top five fighters in the division already being matched up, it might not be until those fight have been decided that Oleinik finds out his next opponent.

What did you think of “The Boa Constrictor”’s performance, let me know on Twitter @Cobleyreporting.