Denis Cyplenkov, renowned for his prowess in arm wrestling, faced significant health challenges that impacted his career. In 2019, he was slated to compete in the first edition of the Top 8 in arm wrestling but had to withdraw due to severe kidney problems caused by intense training. This training led to the rupture of a blood vessel connected to his kidneys, resulting in internal bleeding and requiring medical intervention, including the placement of stents.

The consequences of his training regimen were not limited to his kidneys. He also suffered from neuritis, causing partial paralysis of his face. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Denis underwent surgery, and it took about a year for his health to start improving. During his recovery, he experienced further health issues, including contracting COVID-19 multiple times and passing kidney stones.

As of Spring 2022, Denis reported feeling normal and had shifted his focus to fitness training, steering clear of specialized arm wrestling conditioning. Prior to his illness, he weighed around 140 kg (310 lbs) during competitions and 130-132 kg (285-290 lbs) in the off-season. By May 2022, his weight had reduced to between 122-125 kg (268-275 lbs).

Despite these challenges, Denis Cyplenkov resumed training in early 2020 and even competed in a left-arm wrestling match against Leven Saginashvili by the end of the year. His journey exemplifies the physical toll that extreme sports can have on athletes, as well as their resilience in facing and overcoming health challenges​​​​​​.