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Anatoly Malykhin created history the last time ONE Championship opened its account in Qatar in March this year. Now, the Russian behemoth wants in when the world's largest martial arts organization returns to the same venue in 2025.
Last week, ONE confirmed their second blockbuster event there — ONE 171: Qatar — which goes down inside the Lusail Sports Arena on Feb. 20 next year.
In light of the news, Malykhin, who wrapped up the historic ONE 166 card in March by claiming his third world title in as many divisions with a third-round TKO win over Reinier de Ridder, didn't waste any time hinting at a perfect return date.
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During a meet and greet session with fans before ONE Fight Night 26 commenced last week, 'Sladkiy' declared:
"I came out of the fight with Reug Reug injury-free and feeling great. I'm ready to headline the card. Let's go!"
The 36-year-old dropped his heavyweight world title to 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane in his last outing at ONE 169 this past November. After a back-and-forth war, the Senegalese fighter pipped Malykhin to the 26 pounds of gold via split decision.
Despite the defeat, Anatoly Malykhin hasn't lost any fire in him.
It has only motivated the light heavyweight and middleweight MMA world champion to a new level, and he is ready to let it show if he gets his prayers answered to headline ONE 171: Qatar in February next year.
Fans interested in attending the showcase can sign up for exclusive access at visit.onefc.com/one171.
Anatoly Malykhin says there is no quit in him after first career loss: "Will keep pushing forward"
As painful as his loss to Kane was, Anatoly Malykhin didn't waste too much time reflecting on what he could have done differently at ONE 169.
Instead, the 36-year-old Golden Team and Tiger Muay Thai representative is focused on perfecting his craft for the day he gets to run it back with the newly-crowned ONE heavyweight MMA world champion.
The double champ, in the same meet and greet session, added:
"My team and I are not going to give up. We're grateful to everyone for their support and will keep pushing forward."
