“My mentality is that I have no belts” - Anatoly Malykhin on how he stays hungry despite unprecedented three-weight supremacy
Russian superstar Anatoly Malykhin remains humble by not considering himself a three-division MMA world champion.
In February 2022, Malykhin claimed his first ONE world title, defeating Kirill Grishenko for the interim heavyweight strap. Since then, 'Sladkiy' has become one of the most successful fighters in promotional history by becoming an undisputed champion in the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions.
During a recent interview with ONE Championship, Malykhin discussed his legendary success over the last few years. The 36-year-old had this to say about his mindset:
"I essentially don’t think I’m a triple champion. I do my best every day as I come to the gym, and my mentality [is that] I have no belts. So I’m hungry and I have no belts in my head."
Malykhin last fought in March when he defeated Reinier de Ridder for the middleweight world title. The hard-hitting three-division world champion now looks to end his 2024 by extending his undefeated professional MMA record (14-0).
Reug Reug plans to end Anatoly Malykhin's three-division world-title run
On Nov. 8, Anatoly Malykhin will headline ONE 169, which goes down inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. This time, Malykhin is scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against Senegalese superstar 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.
Kane started his ONE Championship tenure with back-to-back first-round knockouts before suffering his lone defeat against Kirill Grishenko.
'Reug Reug' has since silenced the doubters with three consecutive MMA wins, including his latest against Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida. The 32-year-old's last fight took place in July, as he defeated Boucher Ketchup by first-round knockout in his lone promotional kickboxing bout.
Kane has high hopes of ending Malykhin's reign of terror and handing him his first loss under the ONE Championship banner. It'll be easier said than done, as 'Sladkiy' has denied his other six opponents by knockout. At ONE 169, 'Reug Reug' looks to showcase why he's different from those who have failed.
ONE 169 features three world-title fights, including Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug.' The Nov. 8 event can be seen live and for free by North American and Canadian viewers with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.