“Whole team are hard workers” - Anatoly Malykhin impressed with Khabib Nurmagomedov’s fight team

ONE interim heavyweight world champion Anatoly Malykhin is deep in preparation for his upcoming bout. The Russian heavyweight power hitter has been working with a group of incredibly talented fighters in training.

In a recent interview with ONE Championship, he revealed that he has been working with former UFC lightweight champion Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov’s team of absolute killers. This includes No. 4-ranked lightweight MMA contender Saygid Izagakhmaev.

‘Sladkiy’ said:

“I'm training with Saygid right now. I can say that Khabib's whole team are hard workers. I see how hard they train. They stay in the gym after training and do extra exercises. He'll be rewarded for that."

He added:

"God knows who's working hard and dedicating themselves to their dreams and their job. Saygid is one of those who loves what they do. He is in the gym every day, he is motivated.”

Saygid Izagakhmaev has a massive clash against No. 5-ranked ONE lightweight, Japanese legend Shinya Aoki, coming up at ONE 163 this weekend. The two lightweights will battle for a potential world title opportunity at 170 lbs.

By the looks of things, Malykhin definitely chose the right group to work out with. Nurmagomedov’s faction of marauders has been absolutely on fire as of late. The likes of Islam Makhachev took the UFC lightweight strap from Charles Oliveira just recently.

Speaking of Makhachev, the Dagestani warrior is in Singapore himself to corner Izagakhmaev, adding more spectacle to an already intriguing card.

Malykhin, on the other hand, is getting ready to challenge ONE middleweight and light heavyweight world champion Reinier de Ridder. He will look to fight for his light heavyweight gold at ONE on Prime Video 5 this December.

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Anatoly Malykhin aiming for two-division glory at ONE on Prime Video 5

While Anatoly Malykhin waits for his chance to unify the ONE heavyweight world title, he will be reaching for a second world title at ONE on Prime Video 5.

‘Sladkiy’ will fight for the opportunity to become a two-division world champion when takes on Reinier de Ridder on the December 2 main event.

While it is certainly a huge opportunity, Malykhin was once again met with disappointment by the current ONE heavyweight world champion, Arjan Bhullar.

Posting on his Instagram to announce his fight against de Ridder, the Russian giant couldn’t help but throw shade at his heavyweight contemporary. In the caption, he said:

“While a heavy-weight chicken is running away from me, I had to go down in the weight category and fight in 102 kg. 🥇 On December 3, two worthy men will fight [Anatoly Malykhin] [Reinier de Ridder] [ONE Championship] let’s go!!! #ONEonPrimeVideo5.”

Anatoly Malykhin has been hungry for a fight since winning the interim world title. He will surely let out all his frustrations when he faces de Ridder in Manila, Philippines.