“I failed to get my power back” - Anatoly Malykhin says he lacked the physique he once had when he lost to ‘Reug Reug’ at ONE 169

Anatoly Malykhin certainly has the power to send his opponents to the shadow realm, but wasn't able to do so when he faced Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane at ONE 169. In an interview with Red Corner MMA, Malykhin said the same explosiveness and power he used to put people away was missing when he relinquished the ONE heavyweight MMA world title to Kane in November.

The Russian knockout machine said he "failed" to regain his power after he briefly went down to the lower weight classes to capture the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight MMA world titles.

Anatoly Malykhin said:

"I failed to get my power back, I felt like lacked some physique, now I just need to focus."

Malykhin was a perfect 14-0, with all 14 of his wins coming via either knockout or submission, when he took on 'Reug Reug' in the main event of ONE 169. Many expected another knockout finish from 'Sladkiy' in Bangkok prior to the bout.

Kane, however, managed to withstand the onslaught that would've sent ordinary men into dreamland and snatched the ONE heavyweight MMA world title via split decision. To this day, some fans still argue that Malykhin deserved to retain the heavyweight MMA throne.

There are no official announcements on whether or not Malykhin will have an immediate rematch against Kane, but the match's split decision finish could result in a quick turnaround for the two titans.

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Anatoly Malykhin says he wasn't himself when he stepped between the ropes at ONE 169

Anatoly Malykhin was never seen doubting himself throughout his career, but he felt there was something wrong when he stepped into the ring inside the hallowed Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Malykhin said he didn't feel like he was in perfect form when he put the ONE heavyweight MMA world title on the line against 'Reug Reug.'

He said:

"The training camp was solid. We trained well and did everything as planned, but on the day of the fight, I just didn't feel physically at 100 percent."