Anatoly Malykhin enlists "two of the best" heavyweight sparring partners to work on his wrestling game

Reigning and undisputed ONE light heavyweight and middleweight MMA world champion 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin of Russia has made extra strides to upgrade his game where he needs it the most following his harrowing decision loss to Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane last month.

The 36-year-old Golden Team representative dropped a split decision to the Senegalese sensation at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Prime Video, suffering the first defeat of his professional career and surrendering the heavyweight MMA gold.

Speaking to fans and media in a recent ONE Championship meet and greet session in Bangkok, Thailand, Malykhin says he needs to work on his wrestling in order to be a better version of himself.

'Sladkiy' said:

"I’ve already lined up some sparring partners – two of the best when it comes to both classical wrestling and MMA wrestling. One weighs 130 kg, the other 110 kg, and they’ll be joining me any day now. I decided not to fly home to avoid dealing with changes in climate and time zones."

Malykhin is looking to book a rematch against 'Reug Reug' in hopes of recovering his lost gold. The 36-year-old Russian star has taken no breaks and went right back to work after his last fight.

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Anatoly Malykhin vows to keep pushing forward despite facing adversity against 'Reug Reug': "Not going to give up"

Multi-division titleholder 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin is thankful for the support he has received from fans, following his split decision loss to Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug on Prime Video last month.

He reiterated his intent to get his heavyweight belt back. 'Sladkiy' said:

"My team and I are not going to give up. We’re grateful to everyone for their support and will keep pushing forward."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Anatoly Malykhin's next fight.