Anissa Meksen not surprised with Anatoly Malykhin’s KO of Reinier de Ridder

Muay Thai specialist Anissa Meksen is set for her next bout when ONE Championship returns in 2023 with ONE on Prime Video 6 on January 13th. ‘C18’ will square off with fan favorite Stamp Fairtex in the first-ever women’s mixed-rules bout.

Ahead of her highly anticipated return to the Circle, Meksen spoke with ONE Championship. She gave her thoughts on Anatoly Malykhin’s jaw-dropping first-round knockout of former two-division world champion Reinier de Ridder at ONE on Prime Video 5 earlier this month.

She said:

“Yeah, Anatoly is very strong and smart. He has good punches and the opponent didn't do anything. So a good win for him. I'm happy for him. He’s a good guy.”

Asked if she foresaw a knockout from Malykhin on the cards ahead of the champion vs. champion showdown, Meksen said:

“I think so, why not? Yes, because, the opponent (Reinier de Ridder) is good with grappling, but no wrestling. It's difficult for him to catch him and put him on the ground. That's why he made something good with his boxing.”

With his impressive performance, Anatoly Malykhin became the promotion’s newest two-division world champion. He also pocketed a rare $100,000 by earning not one, but two $50,000 bonuses for his performance that night.

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Anissa Meksen says she is unlike any other fighter Stamp Fairtex has faced

Between Muay Thai, MMA, and kickboxing, Stamp Fairtex has amassed an impressive record with over 70 combined wins and two world championships. However, none of that impresses her next opponent, Anissa Meksen.

As a seven-time kickboxing and Muay Thai world champion with over 100 career victories, Meksen believes she is unlike any other woman that Fairtex has faced. Sharing her thoughts on the upcoming showdown with the No. 1 ranked atomweight contender, ‘C18’ said:

“I have 123 fights and only four losses. If she [Stamp Fairtex] doesn't care about my skills, my punches, everything, she’s never faced a girl like me. Believe me, I hope she will be ready on January 13 because I will smash her for sure.”

Stamp Fairtex has been one of the most successful women in ONE history. She captured titles in two different sports before a successful turn in mixed martial arts. Despite her impressive run inside the Circle, there is no denying that Anissa Meksen will be Fairtex's toughest test to date.