“He grabbed me and fell backwards” - Anatoly Malykhin recalls getting subbed in first grappling match

ONE heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight MMA world champion 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin of Russia is one of the top combat sports athletes in the world today.

Unbeaten as a professional mixed martial artist, and coming from a highly decorated amateur wrestling background, Malykhin has not been familiar with defeat in his career.

But the 36-year-old Kemerovo native says he isn't without experience in the losing department.

Speaking to Red Corner MMA in a recent interview, the Russian fight veteran recalled a time he tapped out in a grappling match.

'Sladkiy' elaborated:

"Then, they would invite me to wrestle in Kemerovo. I remember losing my first match, I don’t remember the guy’s name. I thought I’d use my freestyle wrestling to win, but he grabbed me and fell backwards. I reached for his neck, but he grabbed my arm and submitted me."

Needless to say, Malykhin turned that experience into the fuel that spurred him to mixed martial arts greatness. Today, he lords over three different weight classes in the world's largest martial arts organization, standing tall among the world's best athletes.

Will we get to see Malykhin's grappling skills again?

Fans will not have to wait long to see 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin back in action, as he returns to the big stage in just a couple of months' time.

'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin to defend heavyweight MMA gold against Senegal's Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta

Three-division MMA king 'Sladkiy' Anatoly Malykhin is set to make his highly anticipated return later this year to defend the ONE heavyweight MMA world title. He will take on Senegalese wrestling sensation Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane.

The two heavyweight stars throw down at ONE 169: Atlanta, which broadcasts live from the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live on Amazon Prime Video.