Oleksiy Oliynyk to undergo second knee surgery, will not retire

Whatever happened to Oleksiy Oliynyk?

Following a submission victory against Mirko Cro-Cop at Legend Fight Show, the Russian heavyweight was signed to the UFC, where he defeated Anthony Hamilton by submission and Jared Rosholt by knockout.

That second victory was nearly a year ago. Since then, Oliynyk -- better known as Alexey Oleinik -- disappeared from the professional sphere to undergo surgery on his knee. However, during the rehabilitation stage, it became clear that the surgery was unsuccessful and he will be forced to go under the knife for second time.

"Eight months ago I had the first surgery on my knee," Alexey told BloodandSweat.ru. "Four months later, unfortunately, it became clear that it was not successful, as the rehabilitation failed. After a deeper examination, we realized that recovery would not be possible without a second surgery, and planned a new operation, which will be held in Germany. Hopefully it will be more successful."

While Oleinik is 38 years old, he has no intention of hanging up his gloves just yet. No timetable has been set for his return but he expects it to be midway through 2016.

"While recovering, I will have time. I'm engaged in the development of anther MMA school. Wo more branches will be added to the existing ones - in Almaty and in Lipetsk. But retirement is not planned. I think, I will fight a few more times."

Oleinik is on an 11-fight win streak that dates back to a 2012 loss to Jeff Monson at M-1 Challenge 31. He later avenged that loss in the promotion he founded (Oplot Challenge).