“It showed a lot of people” - Mansur Malachiev says performance against former champ Yosuke Saruta proved his striking is legit
Fifth-ranked ONE Championship strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev of Russia is eager to remind fans that he's not just a wrestler.
The 32-year-old Industrial Fighters representative says he is the complete package, and that his February 2024 victory over former world champion Yosuke Saruta is proof that he has legit striking skills.
Malachiev stood toe-to-toe with the Japanese star at ONE Fight Night 19 on Prime Video and took home the victory via unanimous decision after an impressive showcase.
Speaking to ONE Championship in a recent interview, Malachiev talked about his performance against Saruta, and why he believes it is more than enough proof that he can stand and bang with the best of them.
Malachiev stated:
"My goal was to win that fight with a solid advantage and I succeeded. I knew Saruta was a physically tough fighter, but I didn't expect it would be hard for me to keep him down. On the other hand, it was good that it was a stand-up fight. It showed a lot of people that I am a good striker."
Malachiev is ready to put his all-around skills to good use once again when he returns to the ONE Championship ring this weekend.
Mansur Malachiev takes on higher-ranked Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video
Russian star Mansur Malachiev will need to come prepared when he takes on No. 2-ranked ONE Championship strawweight MMA contender 'Little Giant' Bokang Masunyane of South Africa.
The two lock horns at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Oct. 4.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event during fight week.