“I do not think this chicken can fight” - Anatoly Malykhin doesn’t believe Arjan Bhullar deserves to be a champion

'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin is the current ONE interim heavyweight world champion and will be fighting for the ONE light heavyweight crown this weekend at ONE on Prime Video 5.

The Russian knockout artist would love a unification bout against reigning ONE heavyweight world champion 'Singh' Arjan Bhullar, but Malykhin believes the king is scared. In an interview with ONE, he said:

"I do not think this chicken can fight. He wants to avoid fights, and he is looking for an opportunity to be talked about. He has not fought in over two years and does not deserve to be the champion of one of the best organizations in the world."

Bhullar won the ONE heavyweight world championship by way of TKO in April 2021 against Brandon Vera. Since then, the Indian-Canadian wrestler has not been active due to contract disputes and injuries.

Anatoly Malykhin won the interim crown in February 2022 and seems tired of waiting. Instead of facing the heavyweight world champion, 'Sladkiy' will face off against undefeated two-division world champion Reinier de Ridder at ONE on Prime Video 5 on December 2 (US primetime).

ONE on Prime Video 5: De Ridder vs. Malykhin broadcasts live on Friday, December 2, and is free for fans in the United States and Canada with an Amazon Prime subscription.

---

Anatoly Malykhin seeking more knockouts

Anatoly Malykhin has won the vast majority of his fights via knockout. He will be looking to end his world championship clash against the Dutch-born Reinier de Ridder with a knockout finish in their main event showdown.

Speaking to ONE Championship, Malykhin said:

“I think I can [get the finish] again, and I’ll finish the fight before the second round. I’ll go out there, and I’ll hunt for his head. I’ll chase him, I’ll punch him. Maybe he’ll try to impose his grappling on me, but I’ll break the grip. I’m going to hit him in the body, in the head, and I’m going to hurt him. I don’t think he’ll go the whole distance.”

Ahead of his fight this weekend, Anatoly Malykhin has the utmost respect for his opponent:

“I cannot say that a man with a 16-0 record has any weaknesses, especially one who holds two belts. I think the one who has the stronger character, who is better prepared, who wants to win the belt more will win.”