“Money won’t matter” - Anatoly Malykhin says he will walk away from fighting when the time is right

ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA world champion 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin of Russia is at the top of his game right now as one of the best mixed martial artists in the world.

But at 36 years of age, the launchpad for Malykhin's success at the apex of the sport is short, and he plans on making the most out of it.

However, more than the money and fame, what's more important for Malykhin is his health. And that's something 'Sladkiy' highlighted recently in an interview with Red Corner MMA.

The Russian star said:

"You’d be saying no to money, but you can damage your health so much that the money won’t matter. I know a rich guy who had quadcopter crash. His money does not matter, because his vision is so damaged. You have to find your stop button when you notice you’re taking lots of hits and it’s affecting your health and mindset. But it’s not that easy, because your whole life is in sports."

Malykhin says that when he feels it's time to walk away from MMA, then he would not hesitate to do so. Many legends have overstayed their welcome in the cage, and came away with debilitating ailments and injuries that have lasted them the rest of their lives.

'Sladkiy' does not want to follow in their footsteps.

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'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin will put heavyweight MMA gold on the line against Senegalese fighter Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta

Triple-division world titleholder 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin is set to make an appearance later this year to defend his ONE heavyweight MMA world title. He will go up against Senegalese wrestling sensation Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane.

The two heavyweights do battle at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video.

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