"You are an example for us" - Fans, aspiring fighters take inspiration from Anatoly Malykhin's visit to Russian hometown

Russian MMA star Anatoly Malykhin is the first-ever three-division MMA world champion ONE Championship history and that has made him an inspirational figure to many - especially to those in his hometown.

'Sladkiy' made a triumphant return to Kemerovo, Russia, recently, which he shared on Instagram and can be seen below.

Fans and fighters alike Malykhin thanked him for being a great example for the children to follow and how much he has impacted their lives in the comments section which can be read below:

"Tolyan well done, arrange such meetings more often, you are an example for us, especially for children 👏 be healthy 💪"

"Charged with the energy and motivation of our Champion 🔥🔥🔥"

"Brother, you are an example and our sports movement will give the children, when we once gave the push not to go into the mud, but to become examples!"

"Good luck in your next fight Champ Champ Champ! ❤️"

"Anatoly, you are so handsome and an example for all normal men !!!!"

Undefeated in six fights in ONE, all of which ended in knockout, the 36-year-old has certainly earned his status as one of MMA's biggest stars today.

Malykhin holds the ONE middleweight, light heavyweight, and light heavyweight MMA world titles.

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Anatoly Malykhin to headline ONE 169 with first defense of heavyweight MMA crown

Anatoly Malykhin will defend the ONE heavyweight MMA world championship at one of the featured fights of ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8 against Senegalese star Oumar Kane.

The Golden Team and Tiger Muay Thai fighter and 'Reug Reug' have been trading barbs on social media and in interviews, which has fans excited to see who truly is the better man once they take to the circle inside the State Farm Arena.

Tickets for ONE 169 are available here.