While stars like Conor McGregor manage to ascend to global fame, their stories are the exception. For every success like McGregor, there are countless others grinding in the shadows, just trying to make ends meet. Jake Paul once shined a harsh light on this struggle, publicly calling out Dana White to improve fighter pay. “The fighter minimum in the UFC is $12,500. It should be at least 50,000,” Paul said. “That would change the smaller fighters’ lives.” His words weren’t just a dig at White—they underscored the harsh realities many fighters endure.

Still, some veterans keep grinding without complaints. They’ve carved out a living through years of dedication, even without headline status. One such fighter is Russian heavyweight Aleksei Oleinik, whose career spans an astonishing 80 MMA bouts. Since debuting in 2009, Oleinik has competed in promotions like Bellator before landing in the UFC in 2014. By 2016, he had moved his wife and five children to Florida, chasing a better life and fighting for their future.

Though his recent UFC record was mixed—3-6 in his last nine—Aleksei  Oleinik pressed on. The UFC eventually released him, naming him a free agent in 2022. But the grind didn’t stop. He went on to fight in REN TV Fight Club, and in December of last year, he signed with the upstart Global Fight League. Now, at 47, Oleinik is preparing to enter a whole new realm: bare-knuckle fighting. Set to debut at the BKFC’s inaugural event in Dubai, Oleinik’s decision to keep fighting raised questions. Why would a seasoned, nearly 50-year-old veteran step into such a brutal arena?

In a recent interview with Sports 24, Aleksei Oleinik revealed the heartbreaking truth behind his choice. After nearly two decades of sacrifice, his personal life fell apart. His wife divorced him, taking with her the fortune he’d built over his career. In his own words:

“My situation isn’t good. For 17 years I’ve worked for my family, and now I don’t have a family. But I have to. I need money for housing, I’ve left everything to my wife and family. Unfortunately, we divorced. I’ve left them a house for $1,500,000, cars, jewelry. I didn’t take a single dollar with me [when leaving US]. My resources are over. Both physical and mental. At this point I don’t want it and I can’t. I fight only to make money for living.”

Having left everything behind in the United States, Aleksei Oleinik is now setting the stage for a new beginning in Dubai. The veteran heavyweight will return to action at the iconic Dubai Tennis Stadium during a special two-day combat sports showcase. Day one will feature a high-stakes welterweight headliner between Austin Trout and Carlos ‘Snake’ Trinidad, along with ten more action-packed bouts. The second day will spotlight a stacked BKFC fight card, bringing bare-knuckle brawls and even more intensity to cap off the event.

Former UFC champ Conor McGregor delivers six-word reaction to the BKFC Dubai face-off

“We’re taking this sport to a global level like never before—eight events in six weeks across four countries. This is the next evolution of combat sports,” BKFC President David Feldman declared last week, signaling the promotion’s rapid expansion. Since acquiring co-ownership of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, UFC megastar Conor McGregor has embraced his new role with relentless energy. While Dana White and the UFC have long made their mark in Dubai, McGregor is now following suit, pushing BKFC onto the global stage with the same bravado that defined his MMA career.

The Irishman’s growing influence in the promotion was evident back in February when he stole the spotlight at a BKFC event in Italy. Now, the promotion is gearing up for an even bigger spectacle in Dubai—two nights of unfiltered action on April 4th and 5th. Set to take place at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, the event promises to deliver an electrifying experience for fight fans. The buzz surrounding BKFC Dubai kicked off early, with the official face-off taking place in front of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Even McGregor couldn’t resist fueling the excitement, taking to social media to share his enthusiasm. “THE GREATEST LIVE SHOW ON EARTH! ICONS LIVIN’,” McGregor wrote on Instagram, posting a video of the intense face-off. With the BKFC event set to unfold today, all eyes are on the action. Can Aleksei Oleinik, with Conor McGregor’s support, rise above his challenges and carve out a new chapter in bare-knuckle boxing? Share your thoughts below!