Anatoly Malykhin says only his wife Anita believed in his rise: "Everyone else laughed in my face"
Anatoly Malykhin has only one person to thank for standing up for him in his early career as a martial artist.
We all know by now how important Anita is in Malykhin's life. She's not only a doting wife and mother, she's also the champion's close confidant and manager.
This week, as Malykhin prepares to defend his heavyweight belt against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane at ONE 169, he recalled being told he was too ambitious for his dreams.
Speaking to ONE Championship, 'Sladkiy' explained:
"A lot of people on my way, when I said I was going to be a world champion, practically everyone else laughed in my face. 'Toylan, what are you talking about, you and the world championship? We are from Kemerovo, a small city, calm down.' There was only one person I met on my way [who believed in me]. Only Anita said, 'you are going to do it.'
Malykhin surpassed all expectations by solidifying himself as the first-ever three-division MMA world champion on March 2024 in Qatar.
The Kemerovo native comes from a strong wrestling background, excelling in national events until fully committing to MMA.
Since then, Malykhin has been unbeatable, finishing 14 opponents in a row. However, the work doesn't end there. Next up on the Russian's hitlist is 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane, who is ready to challenge Malykhin in more ways than one on Nov. 8.
"More belts that's the vision" - Anatoly Malykhin aims to become a four-belt champion in ONE Championship
Anatoly Malykhin has another written goal he'd like to accomplish before retiring from martial arts.
The 36-year-old star has always been competitive by nature. From a young age, his interest in wrestling turned into a passion for mixed martial arts, and now that he's achieved his personal best, he says he's ready to pivot into the boxing world and secure himself another belt.
As he prepares to defend his heavyweight crown, Malykhin simultaneously prepares for a venture into boxing:
"From wrestling to one of the best strikers in the world, a three-time MMA world champion, and still climbing. More belts that's the vision."
Check out Anatoly Malykhin warm-up in the gym with coach John Hutchinson below: