"I expect an exciting fight" - Anatoly Malykhin looking forward to a signature Rodtang performance at ONE 169
The first-ever three-division ONE MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin expects another trademark performance from Rodtang Jitmuangnon when the Thai hero faces Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug'. The event takes place on Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking with ONE, the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA kingpin shared:
"As for Rodtang, I don't know his opponent very well, but Rodtang always puts on a show. He goes forward, seeks out a tough fight, wants his opponent to land punches, and then hits back himself. He gives the fans exactly what they want. I expect an exciting fight from him and, of course, a knockout."
Originally scheduled to be Rodtang's sixth defense of the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world championship, 'The Iron Man' was stripped of the crown after coming in half a pound over the 135-pound weight limit.
Smith, the third-ranked ONE flyweight Muay Thai competitor, made weight and passed the hydration test so will remain eligible to win the ONE flyweight Muay Thai crown.
Their long-awaited rematch from May 2022 will proceed at ONE 169 as a 135.5-pound catchweight Muay Thai bout.
Meanwhile, Malykhin will have his first defense of the ONE heavyweight MMA crown at the marquee event against Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane.
Anatoly Malykhin undaunted by Oumar Kane's trash talk
Anatoly Malykhin has heard all of Oumar Kane's trash talk in the months leading up to their heavyweight MMA world title tilt at ONE 169, though it has not affected him one bit.
'Sladkiy' recently told ONE:
"He has to say these things, he has to create hype. He thinks he can break me mentally. He just doesn't understand what I'm made of; my willpower is unshakable."
ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.