“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” - Anatoly Malykhin light on his feet in preparation for Reinier de Ridder

Anatoly Malykhin is looking a lot lighter and faster on his feet in preparation for his light heavyweight world title matchup against Reinier de Ridder.

In recent weeks, the heavyweight slugger has been shedding the pounds to challenge undefeated two-division king Reinier de Ridder on his own turf.

According to a new Instagram video his boxing coach released, all the hard work seems to be paying off. Josh Hutchinson captioned the footage of Anatoly Malykhin shadowboxing in the gym using Muhammad Ali’s famous quote:

“Trim powerful and ready. Float like a butterfly sting like a bee@anmalykhin”

MMA fans are stoked to see ‘Sladiky’ Anatoly Malykhin spring into action on December 2 at ONE on Prime Video 5. Over the last few months, the Russian hard-hitter has seen nothing but black mats and walls in his home gym of Tiger Muay Thai.

He was expecting to fight the original heavyweight world title holder Arjan Bhullar at ONE 161 this past September, however, the bout was canceled due to the Canadian-Indian fighter citing an injury. With their long-awaited matchup delayed once more, Malykhin voiced to fight anyone who would be willing to take him on.

Fortunately, with de Ridder’s light heavyweight clash against Shamil Abdulaev also falling through this year, it only made sense to put two and two together.

So, don’t miss this blockbuster event live on Friday, December 2 on Amazon Prime Video. It’s free for North American fans with a Prime Video subscription.

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Anatoly Malykhin expects a “noble battle” against Reinier de Ridder at ONE on Prime Video 5

Anatoly Malykhin thrives on the crowd’s energy, so he will need their loud cheers more than ever to help him put Reinier de Ridder away for good. Since joining ONE Championship in March 2021, ‘Sladkiy’ has never failed to impress.

He has single-handedly defeated three of the best heavyweights on the roster in quick TKO fashion to become the most feared and respected world champion under the promotion.

So being 10 pounds lighter will not diminish the power behind his hands nor impede him from executing his game plan.

On the contrary, Malykhin expects massive fireworks as he plans on giving it his all against another dangerous and formidable foe in Reinier de Ridder.

He told ONE Championship:

“I will try to display my best skills, my courage, and I will try to impress the audience. They expect a good show. I’m going to win. It will be a noble battle.”