“It’s not about talent” - Three-division MMA kingpin Anatoly Malykhin credits workhorse mentality for his success
Anatoly Malykhin's recipe for success is a simple one.
After becoming the first mixed martial artist to carry three divisional titles simultaneously, the Russian juggernaut will put his ONE heavyweight MMA world title on the line on Friday, Nov. 8 when he headlines a massive ONE 169 card inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.
There, 'Sladkiy' will put one of his belts up for grabs against Senegalese sensation 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane is perhaps the most anticipated heavyweight fight of 2024.
Aside from his history-making wins over Arjan Bhullar and Reinier de Ridder to capture the ONE middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight world titles, Malykhin boasts an impressive 14-0 record with an even more impressive 100% finish rate.
Offering some insight into how he's managed to build such a successful run, Malykhin told the promotion that it all boils down to one simple thing—hard work:
"Well, firstly, it’s not about talent. I work very hard, and I believe only hard work leads me to these victories."
'Reug Reug' looks to dethrone Anatoly Malykhin in epic heavyweight showdown at ONE 169
Thus far, Anatoly Malykhin has looked practically unstoppable inside the Circle, dispatching a slew of former world champions and top heavyweight prospects. However, at ONE 169, 'Sladkiy' may face his toughest test yet.
Oumar Kane—better known by fight fans as 'Reug Reug'—earned his opportunity to challenge Malykhin via a show-stealing performance against 17-time BJJ world champion Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida at ONE Fight Night 13 last year.
Before that, Kane had won four out of five, KO'ing Alain Ngalani, Patrick Schmid, and Batradz Gazzaev in the process. Adding a pair of decision victories over Jasur Mirzamukhamedov and the aforementioned Marcus Almeida, there was no denying him his first shot at 26 pounds of ONE Championship gold.
Will 'Reug Reug' rule the day and become ONE's new heavyweight MMA king, or will Malykhin continue to run roughshod over the division and keep his titles, his 100% finish rate, and his 'O' intact?
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch ONE 169: Malykhin vs. ‘Reug Reug’ live on Amazon Prime Video on Friday, Nov. 8 in U.S. primetime.