Alexey Oleynik has been fighting professionally for nearly a quarter-century and he still has a lot of gas in the tank.
"The Boa Constrictor" turned 43 in June. This November will mark Oleynik’s 24th year as a professional MMA fighter, but the heavyweight still plans on competing for another seven to 10 years.
“Not too much longer, maybe 7-10 more years," he told Just Scrap Radio (via Cole Shelton of BJPenn.com). Maybe one year, maybe five years no one knows. If I feel good, I am ready to fight. I’m sparring in the gym with young guys and big names from UFC, Bellator, I feel good. If I’m worse than them, then yes I may retire. If I am not worse, maybe I am no better, but I’m not worse, so middle, so I’ll fight.”
Oleynik fights Derrick Lewis this Saturday Night in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleynik. The heavyweight plans to conquer his foe but he wants to do it early if possible.
“I don’t like five rounds. Five rounds for heavyweights is very difficult. I hope it ends before five rounds. I hope I am ready to fight in the standup and ready for the ground. I’m ready for anything,” he explained. “I just want to win, no matter submission or something else. That is my goal, no matter how I win, whether it is submission, KO, decision, doesn’t matter.”
UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Oleynik takes place on Saturday, August 8 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
