"My wrestling technique is better" - Mansur Malachiev warns Bokang Masunyane not to grapple with him
Mansur Malachiev is looking to earn his biggest win under the ONE Championship banner to date when he returns at ONE Fight Night 25.
The Russian competitor has already been able to showcase his skillset against some of the top contenders in the strawweight division.
However, on Oct. 4, he will face another competitor who is used to getting his hand raised against top-level opposition. His clash with Bokang Masunyane at Lumpinee Stadium provides an interesting style match-up because both men possess wrestling specialties.
Considering that Masunyane has already spoken about wanting to showcase his overall skill set against Malachiev, it appears that this is where he believes he has the advantage rather than trying to out wrestle him.
Malachiev agrees with this sentiment when he breaks down the fight before they meet inside the ring in the coming days.
In an interview with ONE Championship, he said that he will prove who is the better wrestler when they lock horns:
"I think his strength is wrestling, but my wrestling technique is better. You will see proof of that on October 5."
Mansur Malachiev is out for revenge and redemption
In his second fight under the ONE banner, Mansur Malachiev had a huge opportunity in his career.
The Russian faced former champion Joshua Pacio in a fight that would have seen him climb to the top of the division. Instead, Pacio earned the win and went on to face Jarred Brooks in a rematch at ONE 166, where he reclaimed the strawweight MMA world championship.
After coming so close to his title aspirations once before, Malachiev plans to come back stronger by rebuilding himself.
Beating Yosuke Saruta last time out was the start of that but getting a win over Masunyane next time out would be a huge statement of intent for him in this division.
ONE Fight Night 25 will air live in US primetime free of charge for Prime Video subscribers in North America.