Today, commercial MMA and UFC fights are extremely popular, but the idea of such competitions is not new. In the Russian Empire, wrestling was also highly regarded. One of the notable figures of that time was Ivan Mikhailovich Zaikin. His path to fame began by chance: while working as a burlak in Saratov, he attended a circus performance. There, the audience was offered an interactive act where the wrestler Snezkin challenged anyone willing to a duel with a promise of 10 rubles for victory. Zaikin accepted the challenge and surprised everyone by quickly defeating his opponent.

Soon, the circus offered him a contract, and Ivan Mikhailovich began training under the famous Poddubny. By 1908, he became a prizewinner at the World Wrestling Championship for professionals. In 1909, he fought against world champion Stanislav Zbyshko-Tsyganovich. This was a commercial contest with a prize of 500 rubles. Although the fight ended in a draw, Zaikin received a fee.

Ivan Mikhailovich fought several times against Poddubny, but he could not defeat his teacher. Their matches attracted huge audiences. Newspapers wrote: "The techniques were almost exclusively power-based. In the 47th minute, Zaikin, with astonishing strength, rises from the mat and swiftly attacks his mighty opponent. The positions change frequently. Both wrestlers demonstrate great strength and excellent technique." Zaikin was known for his honesty and refused to participate in fixed matches, which were common at the time. He lived a long and happy life, passing away on November 22, 1948, in Chișinău.