"The same way as all my previous fights" - Anatoly Malykhin unbothered about potential clash vs. undefeated Shamil Erdogan
Anatoly Malykhin says he's unbothered about a potential clash between himself and undefeated MMA contender Shamil Erdogan.
The unprecedented triple world champion is keeping a close eye on Shamil Erdogan's possible world title eliminator bout against former middleweight king Aung La N Sang this Friday.
The Turkish rising star is known for his great wrestling base and domineering grappling skills. He also boasts an undefeated 9-0 record overall, which makes him an intimidating presence in the stacked 205 lbs division.
If Erdogan extends his winning streak to ten at ONE 168: Denver, then it's a one-way ticket to the world title. Despite being aware of this well-known fact, Malykhin isn't fazed one bit. He brushes off the idea that Erdogan is a genuine threat to his crown.
Speaking to ONE this week, the Russian superstar said:
"A fight with Erdogan would go the same way as all my previous fights, and I'll still have a 'zero' in the 'losses' column."
It is difficult to visualize anyone dethroning 'Sladiky' Anatoly Malykhin at the present. The Russian powerhouse has evolved into an MMA monster - not in the reckless, Hulk-like sort of way, but as the 'world's finest' kind of monster.
Over the last few years, Malykhin has demonstrated that he can obliterate opponents in any division with his quick hands, speed, and power. Standing firmly on the mountaintop with three golden belts in his hands, Malykhin is a menace to any future or potential opponent.
"Three rounds and he's gassed" - Three-division world champion Anatoly Malykhin predicts 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane will gas out after three rounds at ONE 169: Atlanta
Anatoly Malykhin predicts an early night for his next world title challenger at ONE 169: Atlanta.
In an interview with ONE Championship, Malykhin broke down the reason why 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane, won't last five full rounds with him when they clash on Nov. 8:
"He's slow, can't time punches for the life of him, and his cardio sucks. Three rounds and he's gassed, and this is a five-rounder."
It's true, 'Reug Reug' hasn't been past three rounds since he's been with ONE Championship, and no one has been past three rounds against Malykhin.
However, that doesn't omit the fact that he's still a potential threat to Malykhin's heavyweight crown. 'Reug Reug' has got some mad power behind his punches, and if he can slide one through, it can certainly change the direction of the fight.
Malykhin for his part, has yet to be tested on the feet, but if Reug Reug can't get past the third round like he said, then it will be an early night for the Senegalese warrior.
Tickets for ONE 168: Denver and ONE 169: Atlanta are available via Ticketmaster.