"This makes me invincible" - Anatoly Malykhin looks back on humble beginnings in Russia with appreciation

Three-division ONE MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin trusted in his abilities to reach incredible heights in ONE Championship, though he has never forgotten his roots.

Speaking with the world's largest martial arts promotion, 'Sladkiy' opened up about how his humble beginnings motivated him:

"It's my life path and the place I was born, my city. My city and the place I started from. This life experience. I know what I had to go through in my life, and I know where I don't want to return. This makes me invincible. I'm very much afraid of poverty."

After finishing all eight of his opponents on the regional pro scene, Malykhin debuted in ONE in March 2021 with a first-round TKO of Alexandre Machado.

The Golden Team fighter eventually won the ONE light heavyweight and middleweight MMA crowns from Reinier de Ridder in December 2022 and this past March at ONE 166, respectively.

At ONE Friday Fights 22 in June 2023, he rose to undisputed ONE heavyweight MMA world champion status by demolishing Arjan Bhullar in their unification bout.

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Anatoly Malykhin to defend heavyweight MMA crown at ONE 169

Anatoly Malykhin will have his first defense of the ONE heavyweight MMA world championship at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug' on Friday, Nov. 8, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Seeking to supplant him as the new king of the 265-pound MMA division is Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane, who made his name in the promotion by overwhelming his opponents with his world-class wrestling abilities.

However, Malykhin has proven he can punish his opponents with his stellar fighting acumen and polished boxing skills, which will be his keys to retaining the heavyweight MMA crown at ONE 169.

ONE 169 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.