“That's one of the main reasons we visit Altai” - Anatoly Malykhin went back to nature in his hometown visit
Three-division ONE MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin visited his hometown of Kemorovo in Russia with his family and team, and made sure he got to bask in it's nature and other activies. In particular, the Altai area which boasts of beautiful mountain ranges and holds a special place in his heart.
'Sladkiy' was in his hometown to promote his next fight, which will take place in November in the United States and to touch base with his fans back home. He also used the opportunity to spend quality time with his family.
In an interview with ONE Championship, Anatoly Malykhin shared his experience during his hometown visit and the activities he indulged in, including the traditional practice of doing antler baths for better health and well-being.
The 36-year-old Russian juggernaut said:
"It's (Altai) an extraordinary place with immense energy. Standing amidst these mountains that have stood for millions of years, you realize how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. It's humbling."
As for the antler baths, he added:
"These baths are made from the antlers of marals, a species of deer. The extracted essence is incredibly beneficial, and that's one of the main reasons we visit Altai."
Just as he enjoys what life has to offer, Anatoly Malykhin also has his sights on his scheduled match at ONE 169 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A., on Nov. 8. There he will defend the ONE heavyweight MMA world title for the first time against Senegalese challenger 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.
Anatoly Malykhin unfazed by challenge presented by 'Reug Reug'
While he is going up against one of the toughest contenders in the heavyweight division, Anatoly Malykhin said he is unfazed by the challenge that 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane presents in their title match at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8. He is sure that he has the game of the Senegalese fighter understood and knows how to deal with it.
Malykhin said this much in an interview with ONE Championship, underscoring that his fans have nothing to be wary about as he is coming into the title showdown prepared to extinguish any threat from the challenger.
He said:
"'Reug Reug' usually falls apart after the first anyway -- hands drop, starts grabbing at opponent's shorts or gloves. Kind of a dirty fighter, really. No real threat, though."
The Malykhin-Reug Reug title match headlines ONE 169: Atlanta, which is the second live on-ground event of the promotion for this year after ONE 168 in Denver in September.
It will mark the Malykhin's first defense of the heavyweight strap after unifying the division's championship belts in June last year with a TKO win over former champion Arjan Bhullar.
ONE 169: Atlanta will be played at the State Arena and available to North American fans through Amazon Prime Video.