Anatoly Malykhin believes it's just a matter of time before he takes back the heavyweight crown. After making history as MMA's first-ever three-division champion, the Russian juggernaut suffered the first setback of his career, surrendering the heavyweight strap following a five-round war with 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane at ONE 169.
Not only did it strip Malykhin of one of his three titles, but it also left him with the first loss of his mixed martial arts career.
Speaking with ONE in a recent interview, 'Sladkiy' made it clear that there is one task on his mind going into 2025 — taking back the heavyweight belt and avenging his only mark in the loss column.
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“In the ring, my goal is simple – to reclaim my title. And I’m confident I’ll do it," Malykhin said with confidence.
Anatoly Malykhin believes a second scrap with 'Reug Reug' is inevitable
With their first fight ending via a closely contested split decision, Anatoly Malykhin believes that an immediate rematch with 'Reug Reug' is not just necessary — it's inevitable.
"I think a rematch with him is inevitable because our first fight was so close," he added. "We need a second fight to settle it."
Of course, Malykhin still has two other titles to defend. Addressing his status as the reigning ONE light heavyweight and middleweight titleholder, 'Sladkiy' plans to defend both of those belts once he settles a bit of business with Oumar Kane.
“After that [rematch with 'Reug Reug'], I want to defend my belt twice. Whoever ONE Championship decides to match me with, I’ll fight. I never back down from a challenge.”
Do you want to see Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' run it back right away in 2025 or should the Russian superstar focus on defending his other belts first?
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.