Kharitonov plans to fight until he is 50

The 41-year-old Bellator heavyweight Sergei Kharitonov of Russia has stated his desire to continue his professional career until he is 50.

Kharitonov is scheduled to fight 46-year-old Frenchman Cheick Kongo on August 21 at Bellator 265.

"I'm at a fairly mature, deliberate age now and I'm ready to perform... I don't know, I'm not making any predictions as to how long I'll perform, but five to seven years is for sure, and then we'll see. Cheick Congo is a prime example of that... I'm 41, he's 46. I believe that heavyweight fighters can safely fight till they are 50 and win. Not just fight, but win. My plan is to retire beautifully at 50, maybe make [at that age] the final fight," Kharitonov said.