“That’s very uplifting” - Anatoly Malykhin thanks loyal fans for consoling him after losing heavyweight MMA belt to ‘Reug Reug’

Anatoly Malykhin admits he's still coming to terms with losing both his undefeated record and ONE heavyweight MMA world title.

In one of the biggest upsets in MMA history, 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane achieved the once unthinkable and dethroned the mighty Russian after five rounds at ONE 169 last November.

Anatoly Malykhin, of course, has taken responsibility for his poor performance that cost him 26 pounds of gold.

However, 'Sladkiy' revealed that despite his setback, he still feels the unconditional love from his supporters, which admittedly somehow softens the blow.

The two-division MMA ruler said during a ONE Championship Meet & Greet in Bangkok:

“As for the fan meeting – as always, my audience loves me. They don’t care whether I win or lose. This is 100% support, which motivates and pleases me greatly.”

Moreover, Malykhin shared that these words of encouragement have further motivated him to give his best in training and reclaim what's his. The 36-year-old superstar added:

“After that fight, many fans from around the world wrote to me: ‘Don’t give up, we’re with you, you mean a lot to us, you inspire us.’ That’s very uplifting.”

True champions are not defined by their shortcomings, but by how they bounce back from these mishaps. Anatoly Malykhin may have stumbled but this proud warrior certainly won't quit.

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Anatoly Malykhin says he and 'Moo Deng' will return to the mountaintop

Thailand's viral adorable pygmy hippopotamus 'Moo Deng' has somehow become Anatoly Malykhin's unofficial mascot.

Sure enough, the affable Russian giant once again brought out a plush toy of 'Moo Deng' during his fan meet during the ONE Fight Night 26 festivities at Lumpinee Stadium last weekend.

On a serious note, though, the redemption-seeking Malykhin also vowed to regain his heavyweight MMA crown from 'Reug Reug'. The double champ wrote on Instagram:

"Thank you for the meeting, thank you for the energy and faith in me 💪 Moo Deng and I will get ours back 💪 Thank you very much for everything."