“It was me who didn’t do the job” - Anatoly Malykhin takes full accountability for abysmal performance against ‘Reug Reug’

Anatoly Malykhin accepted that he "didn't do his job" against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.

Over the past few years, few ONE Championship fighters, if any, have had more success than Malykhin. The Russian powerhouse previously held three MMA world titles simultaneously before recently suffering his first promotional loss.

Last month, Malykhin attempted to defend his heavyweight world title against 'Reug Reug.' The Senegalese superstar overcame the odds and emerged victorious by a split decision in the ONE 169 main event.

During an interview with Red Corner MMA, Malyhin took responsibility for not getting the job done against 'Reug Reug':

"He didn’t [land a heavy punch on me]. You should go there and finish the job yourself. Tonight, it was me who didn’t do the job. It’s my defeat and his victory."

Before fighting 'Reug Reug,' Malykhin held an undefeated professional MMA record of 14-0, including six wins in ONE Championship, all knockouts. The most impressive aspect of Malykhin's fighting career is his 100% finish rate, as he's secured ten knockouts and four submissions.

At 36 years old, Malykhin is expected to have another busy calendar year in 2025 by defending his middleweight and light heavyweight thrones.

Watch Malykhin's entire interview with Red Corner MMA below:

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Does Anatoly Malykhin desevere immediate rematch against 'Reug Reug'?

Heading into 2025, Anatoly Malykhin might first focus on defending his middleweight and light heavyweight world titles. Meanwhile, the Russian powerhouse wants to avenge his loss against 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.

Malykhin's fight with 'Reug Reug' was a close split decision. Therefore, 'Sladkiy' has an argument for deserving an immediate rematch.

On the contrary, ONE Championship might be interested in booking the rematch between 'Reug Reug' and Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida. The Brazilian Jiu-jitsu legend bounced back from losing against the heavyweight champion with an impressive first-round submission against top contender Amir Aliakbari.

Canadian heavyweight contender Ben Tynan is likely one win away from a title shot. Tynan started his promotional tenure in 2024 with consecutive wins against Kang Ji Won (third-round submission) and Duke Didier (first-round knockout).

Nonetheless, Malykhin could earn the immediate rematch against 'Reug Reug' in the first half of 2025 due to his star power and world-renowned prestige.