| Denis Cyplenkov | |
| Nickname: | The Russian Hulk, Cyborg |
| Nationality: | Russian |
| Birth Date: | 10 March 1982 |
| Height: | 6feet[1] |
| Weight: | 287 lb |
| Father: | --> |
Denis Cyplenkov (born 10 March 1982) is a Russian professional arm-wrestler.
Denis was born in Krivoi Rog, Ukraine in 1982 and began his athletic journey at a young age. By 6, he was already involved in various sports programs. In 1993, he discovered kettlebell lifting under coach Yakimenko, achieving success until his mid-teens.[2] [3]
With kettlebell lifting's decline, Denis transitioned to arm wrestling under coach Moiseyev. This new path led him to junior championships in Ukraine and Europe.[2]
In 2002, a chance encounter with Vladimir Turchinsky led him to become a trainer at the "Marcus Aurelius" club.The years 2002-2004 saw Denis excel in power extreme, winning multiple tournaments and becoming a member of the Russian team. He also participated in various arm wrestling events, keeping the sport close to his heart.In 2008, Denis's career took a major turn when renowned coach Kote Razmadze offered him guidance. Under Razmadze's tutelage, Denis became a professional arm wrestling world champion and claimed the intercontinental belt.[2]
Cyplenkov previously held the world record for strict curl at 113 kg since 2015. However, on August 28, 2021, Leroy Walker surpassed his record with a strict curl of 114 kg.[4]
In 2018, he was scheduled to compete against Andrey Pushkar with his right arm for Pal #50. Pushkar died in a car accident in Ukraine while en route to the airport. In honor of Pushkar's memory, the tournament proceeded as planned, and Cyplenkov offered the championship belt to Pushkar's family as a gesture of respect and condolence.[5]
During Armfight #50, Devon Larratt lost a left-handed super match against Denis Cyplenkov, in which Cyplenkov won 6–0. After the match, Larratt said Cyplenkov was most likely "25 to 30% stronger". Later on, Larratt sent the left handed legacy hammer to Denis Cyplenkov.[6] The hammer, although created by the WAL exclusively for its champions, is a symbolic representation of the world's best arm wrestler, and the wielder of the legacy hammer must ensure that the hammer belongs to the person most worthy. Current hammer holders as of June 25, 2022 are Levan Saginashvili (right hand) and Denis Cyplenkov (left hand).[7]
Denis is widely recognized as a figure in the arm wrestling circuit, having achieved multiple victories at the esteemed Nemiroff World Cup and securing numerous national championship titles in Russia. He has also had success in European arm wrestling championships.[3]
| Year | Opponent | Result | Hand | Outcome | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Devon Larratt | Loss | Right Hand | 0-3 | East vs West 10 |
| 2023 | John Brzenk | Won | Right Hand | 6-0 | KOTT 6 |
| 2018 | Devon Larratt | Won | Left Hand | 6-0 | PAL Armfight #50 |
| 2016 | Michael Todd | Won | Right Hand | 4-2 | |
| 2013 | Arsen Liliev | Won | Right Hand | 3-0 | |
| 2012 | Arsen Liliev | Loss | Right Hand | 2-3 | |
| 2009 | John Brzenk | Loss | Right Hand | 1-5 | PAL Armfight #37 |
| 2008 | Andrey Pushkar | Won | Left Hand | 6-0 | PAL Armfight #33 |
| 2006 | Andrey Pushkar | Won | Left Hand | 6-0 | |