WATCH: Heavyweight monsters Anatoly Malykhin, ‘Reug Reug’ nearly brawl at athletes’ hotel ahead of ONE 169 world title clash

Things got heated between heavyweight foes Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane before they step in the ring for their marquee title clash this week in Thailand. The two were caught on video nearly figuring in a brawl in the hotel they were billeted.

In a video posted on ONE Championship's official Instagram account, 'Sladkiy' and 'Reug Reug' can be seen confronting one another when they cross paths in the lobby. A shoving match ensued while both exchanged fighting words.

Check out the video below:

Anatoly Malykhin will defend the ONE heavyweight MMA world title against 'Reug Reug' in the headlining contest at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. It will mark the first time that the Russian juggernaut will stake the world title since unifying the division's belts in June last year.

The 36-year-old fighter, who also holds the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight world titles, will also try to add the Senegalese challenger to his list of conquered opponents to extend his undefeated record, which currently stands at 14-0, the last six coming under ONE Championship.

ONE 169 will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

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Anatoly Malykhin says ONE heavyweight MMA world title special to him

Anatoly Malykhin currently holds three ONE MMA world titles but admits the heavyweight championship belt is special to him, considering the parth he had to take to get it.

'Sladkiy' first willed his way to get a shot at the interim world title against Kirill Grishenko, who he dominated en route to a second-round knockout in their clash in February 2022.

Then in June 2023, he had the opportunity to unify the heavyweight belts when he took on then divisional king Arjan Bhullar. He also succeeded in it by stopping the Indian-Canadian fighter in the third round by TKO to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Anatoly Malykhin spoke about the significance of the heavyweight belt for him, saying:

"The first title, of course, is a dream -- you're working towards it: all those training sessions, imagining that belt, coming to the competition and touching it, picturing it around your waist. Nothing compares to that first title. Now, my goal is to prove I'm the real champion, unmatched. This victory will be just as sweet as the first one... well, maybe the first was a bit sweeter."

With that in mind, he is looking to remain as the heavyweight king when he makes his first defense at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 against Senegalese challenger 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane.