"We don't need a new champion" - Anatoly Malykhin confident he'll end Shamil Erdogan's unbeaten run when they inevitably collide
As much as Anatoly Malykhin respects his fellow high-level wrestler, Shamil Erdogan, there's no way he'll let him get a hold of the ONE middleweight MMA world title.
The three-division MMA world champion made this clear shortly after the Turkish star called him out in the aftermath of ONE 168: Denver at the Ball Arena last Sept. 6.
Erdogan extended his unbeaten record to 10-0 after demolishing former two-division kingpin Aung La N Sang in brutal fashion.
While Malykhin is slated to defend his heavyweight MMA belt against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta on Nov. 8, all signs point to Erdogan being his next challenger at 205 pounds.
In an interview with ONE Championship, an unbothered Malykhin confidently dismissed Erdogan as a threat to this throne, saying:
“We don’t need a new champion; we love the old one! Shamil, nothing’s going to change. It’s going to be like always – and still!”
Erdogan certainly proved he is the real deal after that one-sided beatdown he gave to 'The Burmese Python'.
Much like Malykhin, the 34-year-old is a well-rounded warrior who's a threat wherever the fight goes.
The full replay of ONE 168 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada
Anatoly Malykhin says no challenger can match his versatility
In the same interview with ONE, Anatoly Malykhin expressed his belief that no other fighter can handle his phenomenal striking and grappling arsenal.
As such, the undefeated Russian destroyer is confident he can defend three divisions since he's not scared to fight anywhere, anytime. The triple champ said:
"I'm ready for all of that against any opponent. When it comes to a fight with me, I'll be ready for the grappling, striking, and I'll be in top shape physically."
Tickets for Anatoly Malykhin's upcoming fight with 'Reug Reug' at ONE 169: Atlanta at State Farm Arena are available via Ticketmaster.