ONE 168: Anatoly Malykhin says victor of Aung La N Sang vs. Shamil Erdogan will be his next rightful challenger
Anatoly Malykhin sits atop the middleweight MMA division and is wary of two rampaging challengers who want a shot at his crown.
At ONE 168: Denver, former two-division ruler Aung La N Sang will collide with undefeated Turkish powerhouse Shamil Erdogan in a pivotal three-round clash.
As far as 'Sladkiy' is concerned, the man who will get his hand raised on September 6 at Ball Arena certainly deserves to be the No.1 contender in the 205-pound ranks.
Anatoly Malykhin said in an exclusive interview with ONE Championship:
"It will be an interesting fight. I think the one who imposes his fight plan on the opponent will win."
The three-division MMA conqueror added:
"Whoever comes out of this fight as the winner deserves the title shot against me."
After losing his world titles, Aung La went back to work and climbed the ladder by way of three straight stoppage victories.
'The Burmese Python' looked like his old vicious self in massive victories over Yushin Okami, Gilberto Galvao, and Fan Rong.
Erdogan, on the other hand, extended his pristine record to 9-0 with a brutal beatdown of Fan Rong in his promotional debut last year.
Given the champ's approval, we're certain Aung La and Erdogan will go to great lengths to get that coveted title shot.
Anatoly Malykhin must first handle business at heavyweight before returning to middleweight
Apart from his middleweight gold, Anatoly Malykhin also lords over two other divisions at light heavyweight and heavyweight.
The Russian finisher is also set to make his own US debut on November 8 at ONE 169: Atlanta.
The triple champ will defend his heavyweight MMA throne against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane at State Farm Arena.
Meanwhile, all signs point to Malykhin dropping down to 205 pounds once more once he handles business at heavyweight.
Tickets for the promotion's United States shows, ONE 168: Denver and ONE 169: Atlanta, are available via Ticketmaster.