Former UFC heavyweight veteran, Alexey Oleinik, known for his formidable presence in the Octagon despite being one of its oldest competitors at 45, is going through a rough patch due to a challenging divorce.
In a candid interview with Match TV, Oleinik shared the profound impact of his split from longtime wife, Tatyana Oleinik, highlighting how it has led to not just emotional distress but also financial difficulties. With a record reflecting both the highs and lows of his UFC career, he’s now faced with substantial upheaval in his personal life.
“She decided to end our marriage,” Oleinik confessed, “I wasn’t in favor of the divorce. For over six months, I tried everything to salvage our family. Living comfortably in the U.S. is hard for me financially, yet I feel deeply connected to Russia.”
Oleinik further explained, “I covered our family’s taxes, which ran into millions of rubles, and I send money every month, plus gifts for the kids. But there’s been no gratitude from her side.”
Every couple of months, Oleinik travels to the U.S. to see his children, a relationship he treasures dearly. However, he feels obstructed by his ex-wife’s actions, “She’s manipulated access to the children. Sometimes she allows communication, then abruptly blocks my number, making it impossible to contact them.” He accused Tatyana of neglecting their children by indulging in a socially extravagant lifestyle, creating a questionable image.
Reflecting on their past, Oleinik recalled the luxurious life he afforded his ex-wife, “I bought her new cars, jewelry worth hundreds of thousands, and even several Rolex watches. Now she complains they’re impractical and difficult to sell. I’ve left with nothing as everything went to her and the children.”
Oleinik suspects that aging and health issues, affecting his ability to perform in key sporting events, might be why his wife decided to leave. “I can no longer compete at the level I once did,” he admitted. “However, I gave her everything—our house, cars, gold. It feels like I no longer recognize who she has become.”
After his release from the UFC in 2022, despite earning a decent 9-8 record and multiple Performance of the Night bonuses, Oleinik’s last MMA match saw him clinch victory via submission at RCC 17 in 2023. His fighting career isn’t entirely over as he eyes a BKFC fight scheduled in Dubai and a new opportunity with the Global Fight League.
On the other side, Match TV also caught up with Tatyana Oleinik, who painted a drastically different picture. She accused Alexey of infidelity and abandonment, claiming he left for another woman. She rebutted his claims by stating that banks confiscated their property due to unpaid debts and she’s burdened with paying off those loans.
Tatyana is reportedly gearing up to file a lawsuit against Alexey for defamation and to protect her honor and dignity as she seeks to clear her name in the unfolding drama.
