UFC has become the world's premier promotion in recent years. All fighters aspire to it. When the organization was just created, it faintly resembled today's version. It was then that the Russian Oleg Taktarov performed there. The athlete wanted to flash on television and get an offer from Hollywood. The plan worked.
Going to America, Taktarov was not even going to compete in mixed martial arts. He just wanted a quiet life. In the 90s, he and his friends had a business. Some colleagues died under mysterious circumstances, so Oleg left for the USA.
The Russian dreamed of one thing — an acting career. However, already on the first tests it quickly became clear that his English was far from perfect. The producers did not understand at all who was in front of them. Then Taktarov decided to break into television and at the same time improve his language.
Mixed martial arts helped. Oleg has been doing sambo, judo and jiu-jitsu for many years. A couple of months before his departure, he made his debut at an MMA tournament in Latvia and was going to repeat the experience.
First, Taktarov tried to get a job as a coach, but did not grow together. Then the Russian directly applied to the UFC and received a contract. Yes, it all happened. He was immediately given the caricature nickname «Russian Bear».
The format was different from the current one. The fighters played several fights per evening according to the playoff system. Oleg made his debut at UFC 5, where he made it to the second round. A normal debut, but this was not enough for recognition. The finest hour of the athlete struck at the sixth numbered tournament.
In one day, Taktarov defeated three rivals and became the champion. Yes, it is he who is considered the first UFC champion from Russia. However, not everyone recognizes his fair victory. The matter is in the semi-final duel, which many call fixed.
«Russian Bear» was supposed to fight Patrick Smith, but he suddenly withdrew. Replaced by Anthony Macias. A typical drummer at the very beginning of the fight for some reason decided to throw himself at the feet of the Russian, easily gave his neck and got under a chokehold, knocking in just nine seconds. The submission of the Russian is still considered the fastest in the history of the UFC. Grdagpeo9lw» webkitallowfullscreen=»webkitAllowFullScreen» mozallowfullscreen=»mozallowfullscreen» allowfullscreen=»allowFullScreen» frameborder=»0″>
The fight was called fixed by fans and commentators. They were confused by the illogical behavior of Macias and the quick surrender. Soon another fact came out — Oleg and Anthony had one promoter. For many years, the participants in that story denied the unsportsmanlike principle. Everything changed a few years ago. Macias gave an interview. In it, the American said that he was ordered to surrender the fight.
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"I was already preparing for the fight when the promoter came. He said that Oleg should win the tournament. He assured that he had invested a lot of money in the Russian. I was promised the end of my career if I fight at full strength,» the fighter said.
Taktarov assured that he did not know about the decision. After all, Macias was considered a weaker fighter. A quick submission allowed Oleg not to waste energy before the final, which turned out to be difficult. The advantage in freshness decided the fate of the champion's belt.
The story came out scandalous, but soon everyone in the States forgot about it. By that point, the UFC was not a giant global brand. Everything went smoothly until Khabib Nurmagomedov got to the belt. Many fans began to call him the first Russian champion of the promotion and again accuse Taktarov of cheating. They decided that I was not the first champion. My opponent was replaced by a guy with whom we had a common manager. But how could I know something? For some reason, he jumped, and I strangled him,” Taktarov explained.
After the incident, the Russian took part in two more tournaments under the auspices of the UFC. He explained his departure from the promotion as a desire to focus on his acting career. The championship title helped with recognition in America. Taktarov starred in several Hollywood films.
No official proceedings or decisions due to a strange duel received. Therefore, formally, it is Taktarov who remains the first Russian UFC champion.