"He's the man" - Anatoly Malykhin shows utmost respect for Khabib Nurmagomedov for paving the way for Dagestani athletes
ONE triple-world champion Anatoly Malykhin has the utmost respect for MMA living legend Khabib Nurmagomedov.
This week, as Malykhin reconnected with his roots in Russia, he reminisced about the wrestlers who used to train with him in his hometown gym. From the guys who continued succeeding in the wrestling realm, to the guys that made that difficult transition from grecco roman wrestling to MMA - Malykhin admires all of them for helping him become the triple-world champion that he is today.
But the road as champion will inevitably end. So Malykhin is preparing for the next transition ahead, and who better to emulate than the man who went from UFC champion to businessman, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
On the Red Corner MMA, Malykhin said:
"He's a smart guy, I really like him. He makes very good moves, he's the man. He stepped aside, and let the spotlight be on Islam [Machachev], then came back to corner him in the next fight. He thinks very well."
Malykhin continued to add:
"He found the stop button for his sporting career, he focused on business, his team is still there, which shows that the guys are close. They're doing well and are making moves. They have fun and work together, they're always supporting each other, they're great guys and set a good example. Khabib is the man."
"That's what I'm gonna give them" - Triple-world champion Anatoly Malykhin wants to remain the promotion's biggest attraction by giving fans what they crave
Anatoly Malykhin is itching to return to action even while being on vacation with his family.
This past March, he made the history books again as a three-division world champion when he defeated long-time rival 'The Dutch Knight' Reinier de Ridder for the ONE middleweight crown.
Entering his fourth month away from the cage, Malykhin was given some good news this June. The Russian is scheduled to defend his heavyweight strap against Senegalese warrior 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane on November 8 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Knowing what career implications that will have in competing in America for the first time, Anatoly Malykhin has a plan in place to make the fans remember his name forever.
"American fans love knockouts, right?" he told ONE. "They want a good show, fighters going all out, leaving it all in the cage. That's what I'm gonna give them - a knockout, a damn good fight!"
ONE 169: Atlanta will be available to stream in Canada and the US for free with an active Prime Video subscription.