“He’s a good fighter” - Anatoly Malykhin open to facing former Turkish rival Shamil Erdogan in ONE
Reigning and undisputed ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA world champion 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin of Russia has no issue stepping into the Circle with longtime acquaintance Shamil Erdogan.
Erdogan is set to face former two-division MMA king 'The Burmese Python' Aung La N Sang at ONE 168 this weekend, and if the unbeaten Turkish star can claim victory, he has a good chance of landing a date with Malykhin for the ONE Championship gold.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Malykhin talked about his relationship with Erdogan and what he thinks of his former rival.
'Sladkiy' said:
"I remember Erdogan from freestyle wrestling. He won against me at the Yarygin Cup Rybinsk tournament. So, this fight would be a good rematch, now under MMA rules. He’s a good fighter! He has excellent wrestling and strong striking. However, his conditioning is not at the highest level, but his striking and wrestling are top-notch."
Shamil Erdogan and Aung La N Sang will battle at ONE 168: Denver, which will be broadcast live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday, September 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free on Amazon Prime Video. Limited tickets are still available via Ticketmaster.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA during fight week for all the latest news and updates surrounding ONE 168: Denver.
'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin battles Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta
Triple MMA king 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin is set to defend his ONE heavyweight MMA world title against Senegalese wrestler Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane.
The two will lock horns in the main event of ONE 169: Atlanta.
The event broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, November 8.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.