“My level is always high” - Anatoly Malykhin never rested on his laurels after unprecedented three-weight supremacy
Anatoly Malykhin revealed he's improved his boxing while maintaining his other world-class fighting skills.
Over the last three years, Malykhin has changed his life for the better by becoming a three-division MMA world champion in ONE Championship. The Russian powerhouse also solidified himself as one of the most dangerous fighters on the planet by extending his record to 14-0, including six wins in ONE (all knockouts).
Malykhin's lack of satisfaction has ensured he continues to find tremendous success in world title fights. During an interview with ONE, the 36-year-old had this to say about continuing to improve while staying sharp in his specialties:
"My boxing has improved, my grappling is strong, and overall, my conditioning is solid. Honestly, my level is always high, and I just maintain it. I don’t know if it’s possible to fight or keep pace better than I do."
Anatoly Malykhin's undisputed world title collection started with a first-round knockout against Reinier de Ridder in December 2022. Since then, 'Sladkiy' continued his reign of terror with a third-round finish against former heavyweight king Arjan Bhullar and another knockout against De Ridder at middleweight.
Anatoly Malykhin plans to showcase world-class skills in ONE 169 main event
On Friday, November 8, Anatoly Malykhin will return for his lone appearance in 2024. The three-division MMA world champion is scheduled to defend his heavyweight strap in the ONE 169 main event.
Malykhin's latest challenger comes against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane. The Senegalese wrestler holds a promotional record of 6-1, including an ongoing three-fight winning streak. Tensions have been high between the heavyweight powerhouse, leading to an intense faceoff (shown below).
'Reug Reug' refuses to be intimated by Malykhin and his devastating power. With that said, the heavyweight contender must be ready for a battle, as 'Sladkiy' has finished every opponent he's faced in professional MMA bouts.
ONE 169: Malykhin vs Reug Reug will showcase three world title fights inside the legendary combat sports venue of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Friday's event airs live in US Primetime free of charge for North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription.