Athletistic/MMA. Russian mixed martial arts fighter Alexander Shlemenko shared his views on the use of the term “Russian”, explaining why he would never choose such a term for himself.
“What is the word “Russian”? Who invented it? It was invented by Boris Yeltsin. And what is associated with Boris Yeltsin? The time when we became a colony, where all these problems started for us. Therefore, I don’t really want to identify myself as “Russian”. I am more comfortable with the term “Russian”. It is closer to me.
When we come to America, they call us Russians, not Russians. You can of course translate this however you want, but the real translation, which preserves this meaning, sounds exactly like this. And now ? We have a multinational Russian people. That’s all. I tell it as I see it. I think this is the correct designation. If anyone wants to call themselves Russian, let them do so. But I, for example, would never call myself Russian. This doesn’t work for me. I don’t think it’s ours. I don’t even understand what a Russian is. Russian – yes, but Russian – no,” Shlemenko noted in an interview on the Ushataika YouTube channel.
Alexander Shlemenko fought 78 mixed martial arts fights, of which he won 62, finishing 32 fights by knockout. In his last fight, he defeated Brazilian Alex Oliveira by submission in the first round.
- Shlemenko: “Taktarov is the first UFC champion”
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Source: Sport
I am Ashley Ortiz and I am a professional journalist working for Athletistic. My specialty is in sports journalism, particularly boxing. I have written articles for some of the most renowned publications on the subject, and my work has been featured across both print and digital media platforms.
