Tokov Returns to Fedor Team, Calls for Shlemenko Trilogy

Anatoly Tokov has rejoined Fedor Team and is publicly calling for a trilogy fight with fellow Russian Alexander Shlemenko, the 36-year-old confirmed as he works his way back to full fitness following a difficult stretch on the sidelines.

Tokov, who stands 178 cm and carries a professional record of 25-2-0, had been away from the squad while recovering from elbow injuries that required two separate surgeries. He says the elbows have largely healed and that he is currently rebuilding his conditioning. The Russian middleweight is a free agent at this stage, with his team in discussions with various organizations over where he competes next. He made clear that his relationship with Fedor remains on solid ground, putting to rest any speculation about a lasting rift. Tokov is a precise and efficient fighter, landing 3.51 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 72 percent, and he supplements his stand-up with a steady takedown output of 2.03 per fifteen minutes.

On the other side of the proposed matchup, Shlemenko — known as "Storm" — brings one of the most decorated records in Russian MMA history at 56-9-0. The 42-year-old, who is 180 cm tall, remains an aggressive pressure fighter who lands 4.36 significant strikes per minute, though his game is built almost entirely on striking with virtually no takedown activity on his ledger.

Why it matters

• Tokov and Shlemenko have unfinished business from their two previous meetings, making a trilogy a natural draw for Russian MMA fans.
• Tokov's free-agent status means the fight could land in multiple promotions, widening its potential audience.
• The stylistic contrast is sharp — Tokov's accuracy and wrestling against Shlemenko's high-volume striking — which gives the matchup genuine competitive intrigue.
• Tokov's camp has signaled openness to negotiations, though no formal agreement is in place and no organization has been named.