Anatoly Malykhin takes swipe at heavyweight world champion Arjan Bhullar

Two division ONE world champion Anatoly Malykhin took another dig at the man he’s long been linked to, Arjan Bhullar.

In the main event of ONE on Prime Video 5, Malykhin shocked the world when he practically walked through former undefeated dual-champion Reinier de Ridder, knocking out ‘The Dutch Knight’ in a shockingly dominant fashion. It took the Russian juggernaut less than a full round to dispatch de Ridder and add a ONE light heavyweight world title to his collection of gold.

Of course, Malykhin was already the holder of the interim heavyweight world title. The current undisputed heavyweight champion Arjan Bhullar captured the title in May 2021 but has not returned to the circle since. Speaking at the ONE on Prime Video 5 post-fight press conference, Malykhin took a shot at Bhullar, saying:

“He's just weak, he doesn't deserve to be in ONE Championship because it just happens, every single time so he's just a weak fighter.”

The two were scheduled for a title unification bout at ONE 161, but Bhullar was forced to withdraw due to an injury. At that point, Malykhin opted to move on from the long-teased matchup, opting to compete with Reinier de Ridder. Clearly, that decision worked out in his favor.

Watch the full interview with Malykhin below:

---

Arjan Bhullar says he’s ready to return for a potential clash with Anatoly Malykhin

Following a big weekend of fights that saw some significant movement in the heavyweight division, reigning ONE heavyweight world titleholder Arjan Bhullar says he’s ready to return to the circle.

Taking to Instagram, ‘Singh’ said:

“Great weekend of fights @onechampionship I've been cleared since November 7th. 2 heavyweights called me out this weekend. Give me the 'scariest' one first🙏🏾”

The most likely scenario is that Bhullar will finally face Anatoly Malykhin to unify their respective heavyweight world championships; however, another heavyweight standout may have entered the conversation at ONE 164 on Saturday.

Amir Aliakbari, who entered ONE Championship with a disastrous 0-2 start, has since scored back-to-back knockouts, including his impressive first-round destruction of MMA icon Brandon Vera.

Following Aliakbari’s victory, he immediately called out Arjan Bhullar. Clearly, 'Singh' got the message and is more than willing to step inside the circle with the Iranian monster should things with Anatoly Malykhin continue to slip through the cracks.

Would you prefer to see Arjan Bhullar face Anatoly Malykhin when he returns to the circle or is it time for Amir Aliakbari to get his shot at heavyweight gold?