“I was good at it” - Mansur Malachiev credits coach, family, and friends for pushing him to turn pro in MMA

Fifth-ranked ONE Championship strawweight MMA contender Mansur Malachiev of Russia knew early on that he was destined to become a mixed martial arts star. But it was only through the faith of his coaches, and the people who loved him, that he truly believed in himself.

Malachiev grew up on the rough and tumble streets of Dagestan, a region known for producing some of the world's best fighters. The 32-year-old recently detailed his rise in the sport, and how his family, coaches, and friends helped him along the way.

The Russian fighter said in an interview with ONE Championship:

"The coach noticed my progress and suggested I compete at a more serious level. In 2014, I had my first professional fight. I started to realize I was good at it, which gave me additional confidence. The support of my family and friends provided huge motivation to keep improving my skills."

Today, Malachiev is one of the most talented strawweights competing in the world's largest martial arts organization. He joined ONE Championship in June 2023, and since then has won two out of three contests, with his only loss coming against reigning ONE strawweight MMA king Joshua 'The Passion' Pacio.

Fans won't have to wait long to witness Malachiev in action.

Mansur Malachiev to face fellow top contender Bokang Masunyane at ONE Fight Night 25 on Prime Video

Mansur Malachiev is set to face no.2-ranked 'Little Giant' Bokang Masunyane of South Africa. The two lock horns at ONE Fight Night 25: Nicolas vs. Eersel II on Prime Video, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.