Anatoly Malykhin on Reinier de Ridder fight: “The one who has the stronger character will win” 

Anatoly Malykhin thinks the ONE on Prime Video 5 main event could be decided by who wants it more between the two headliners.

Malykhin, the interim heavyweight world champion, is moving down to the light heavyweight division to fight for the belt. The hard-hitting Russian is putting his undefeated record on the line against fellow undefeated fighter Reinier de Ridder. De Ridder holds two world titles in ONE.

While speaking with the promotion, ‘Sladkiy’ had this to say about fighting the Dutchman:

“I cannot say that a man with a 14-0 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. I think I have the advantage in the stand-up.”

Anatoly Malykhin made his ONE debut in March 2021 and has won all three of his fights in the promotion via KO/TKO thus far. Meanwhile, De Ridder has established himself as a submission specialist, with four of his seven wins in ONE coming via submission. The contrast in styles, combined with the Russian making his light heavyweight debut, makes the ONE on Prime Video 5 main event a must-see matchup.

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

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Arjan Bhullar says there’s more pressure on Anatoly Malykhin than Reinier de Ridder

ONE heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar has been inactive since May 2021 with an undisclosed injury and a contract dispute. Anatoly Malykhin took advantage of the opportunity to become the interim heavyweight champion. Although Malykhin’s next fight is at light heavyweight, Bhullar is keeping a close eye on his potential future opponent.

While speaking with ONE Championship, Bhullar had this to say about the ONE on Prime Video 5 main event:

“RDR’s stand-up is so sloppy. If Anatoly doesn’t catch him, he’s absolute garbage. So, the pressure’s on both of them to come up with something, but more for Anatoly, in my opinion.”

Whether the Russian beats De Ridder or not, a heavyweight unification bout is likely next. Bhullar has made some enemies while recovering from injury, and the time is coming for him to back up his words by defending his title for the first time.

As for Anatoly Malykhin, the Russian is locked in for the ONE on Prime Video 5 main event.