"That wasn't a real fight" - Anatoly Malykhin scoffs at 'Reug Reug's' KO win over Boucher Ketchup
It's safe to say that Anatoly Malykhin is not the biggest admirer of the next opponent that awaits him under the ONE Championship banner.
The undefeated three-weight world champion is always incredibly confident of overcoming whatever obstacle is in front of him. This has not changed since he was matched up with Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane for the main event of ONE 169, where he will defend his heavyweight title for the first time.
The two behemoths will meet in the main event at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Nov. 8 and despite the power that he brings to the table, Anatoly Malykhin is not impressed by his challenger.
In Kane's last outing at ONE Fight Night 23 earlier this year, he competed in a kickboxing encounter with Boucher Ketchup.
The fight only lasted one round after 'Reug Reug' made it look easy, stopping Ketchup in dominant fashion.
Malykhin commented on this during a fight week interview with Nick Atkin, where he made it clear that he's not putting any stock into this victory:
"Smile fight. Smile fight that wasn't a real fight. That was a smile fight. I watched this fight and smiled every time."
Watch the full interview below:
Anatoly Malykhin returns to heavyweight for this fight
Whilst 'Reug Reug' may have been competing in heavyweight kickboxing last time out against an opponent that was out of his depth, the last time that we saw Anatoly Malykhin, he was down at middleweight.
After beating Reinier de Ridder for the second time, he's returning to heavyweight to take on a fellow powerhouse and physical specimen.
Malykhin clearly isn't concerned about the danger that his opponent presents even if he's having to meet Kane at his natural weight class.
The world champion is always confident but that appears to be especially true in this matchup.