5 ONE Championship fighters who are also great dads
For most children, every father is a hero shining like a beacon of integrity, leadership, and courage. ONE Championship has many athletes on its roster that exemplify these traits and more. They also happen to be great dads.
While most great fighters use their hunger for competition, glory and the pursuit of greatness as their main motivators, others use another source: family. In particular, their children.
Take ONE atomweight champion 'Unstoppable' Angela Lee, who gave birth to her first child Ava. The dominant champion has been openly outspoken about how her newborn has inspired her to become better than she already is:
"...I’m not just the same, I’m better than I was before." ~Angela Lee Pucci, MMA fighter, 6X World Champion, #andmother"
Becoming a parent really does something to the mentality of a fighter. They become more dangerous as they become protective of their youngling. Like an alpha wolf taking care of its pack. They turn into more fierce and highly motivated warriors.
Today, in the spirit of Father's Day this weekend, we list down ONE Championship fighters who are also great dads. Athletes that are great fathers, motivators and occasional coaches to their offspring. Both in the ring and in life.
With that said, let's get on with the list.
#5. ONE Championship interim heavyweight champion Anatoliy Malykhin
Perhaps the hardest-hitting dad you'll ever see, ONE Championship interim heavyweight king Anatoliy 'Sladkiy' Malykhin is a warrior in the tallest order. With 7 of his 10 wins coming by way of knockout, the undefeated Russian has demolished his way to the belt. His 3 other wins also came by way of submission stoppages. That's a 100% finish rate. This man is as frightening as they come.
In the presence of his only son, however, 'Sladkiy' turns into a gentle bear. Malykhin's social media is riddled with posts that involve his son and his beautiful wife, Anita. From cute videos depicting their home life to having his son in the gym with him, it's quite evident that the heavyweight finisher draws a lot of inspiration from his only child.
Malykhin sees his son as the "most valuable thing" that came to him in the most difficult year of 2020:
Translated into English, his caption says:
"This year there are difficulties in my career, but we are all catching up 🚀But this year gave me the most valuable thing - my son ❤️ As they say, everything that doesn't happen is for the better 🙏 Thanks to everyone who is by my side 🙏"
As early as now, Malykhin is already bringing his child to the gym, allowing the toddler to familiarize himself with the environment. Who knows, maybe one day we'll see the mini Malykhin wreak havoc in the cage just like his father.