Anatoly Malykhin offers update on preparations heading into first ONE heavyweight MMA world title defense at ONE 169
Reigning ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin believes he has done everything humanly possible to ensure he retains the heavyweight MMA crown at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking with ONE, the first-ever three-division MMA king shared how he is closing out training camp:
"I'm already in recovery mode — just one training session a day. We're working on pads and preparing the fight plan. The hard work is done, and the main goal now is to come to the fight without injuries. We're keeping it light, no heavy loads."
'Sladkiy' also added:
"I ate six times a day, mostly dumplings made by my beloved wife."
Held in high regard by many ONE fans for his light-heartedness outside the circle, Malykhin will put aside such niceties when he defends the 265-pound MMA world championship at ONE 169.
Looking to end his reign at the marquee event will be Senegalese monster Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane, who has bulldozed through the division en route to securing his opportunity at 26 pounds of ONE gold.
Anatoly Malykhin grateful for coach John Hutchinson's guidance
Anatoly Malykhin's quick footwork is a rarity for fighters of his size, but it is the power he possesses in his hands that makes him a true force of nature.
In another interview with the world's largest martial arts promotion, Malykhin praised Tiger Muay Thai head boxing coach Josh Hutchinson for developing his striking abilities.
Malykhin said:
"My right arm. Yes, my coach Josh Hutchinson is the main component. Nobody else has him, only I have him, that's why we put everybody on their asses."
ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.