“It is a special motivation for me” - Mansur Malachiev says having Anatoly Malykhin in his corner was a huge deal for him
Fifth-ranked ONE Championship strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev of Russia felt an extra boost of energy after seeing triple-champ 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin shouting instructions from his corner in his latest fight at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video last weekend.
Malachiev turned in a comprehensive grappling performance, trumping no.2-ranked 'Little Giant' Bokang Masunyane of South Africa to take home a three-round unanimous decision victory on the judges' scorecards.
Speaking to veteran reporter Nick Atkin of Bangkok Post, Malachiev says he is thankful for the support coming from the reigning and undisputed ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA king.
The 32-year-old Industrial Fighters representative said:
"It is a special motivation for me. He always gives me good advice, always tells me what to do, and I can hear him very very well so I can follow him."
Needless to say, Malachiev was absolutely on point against Masunyane, as the 32-year-old turned in one of the finest performances of his career in the world's largest martial arts organization.
ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Prime Video took place live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, last Saturday, October 5, 2024.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action via replay on-demand with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.
Mansur Malachiev says Anatoly Malykhin is more than just 'a legend': "He's also my bro"
Highly regarded strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev can't thank countryman Anatoly Malykhin enough for all the support he's shown throughout his career.
Malachiev believes Malykhin has helped shape who he is as a fighter today.
He told Nick Atkin:
"For me, the feeling is like I’m being supported by my elder brother who is always with me in the corner. He’s not just a legend of the sport, but he’s also my bro who is helping me everyday in my training."
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Mansur Malachiev's next fight.