Anatoly Malykhin Eyes 2025 Showdown with Francis Ngannou After Dismissing Recent MMA Return

Anatoly Malykhin

Anatoly Malykhin may be focused on his ONE Heavyweight title defense against Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane at ONE 169, but his sights remain firmly set on an eventual cross-promotion fight with Francis Ngannou. Malykhin has been calling out Ngannou ever since the former UFC champion signed with the PFL, envisioning a clash between two of the most prominent heavyweights outside the UFC.

Following a brief stint in boxing, Ngannou made his MMA return in October, defeating Renan Ferreira in the first round to extend his win streak to seven. Malykhin, however, wasn’t impressed by Ngannou’s performance.

“Of course, I watched the fight, and actually, I didn’t see anything special,” he shared. “He made a statement that he was the [best] fighter on the planet. I don’t think so. He cannot and he shouldn’t be saying that until he faces me.”

ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong didn’t dismiss the possibility of a cross-promotional match, although he shared a blunt assessment:

“Francis has one-punch KO power, great striking, but he doesn’t have a ground game… Anatoly would take him down in a heartbeat. I don’t think it would be competitive.”

Malykhin agrees, noting Ngannou’s lack of wrestling and cardio, but acknowledges Ngannou’s appeal and the intrigue of such a fight.

 “He has a very strong punch, that is very true,” Malykhin admitted. “But my overall skill set is much better than his.”

Before Malykhin can pursue Ngannou, he must first overcome the powerful Senegalese wrestler “Reug Reug” Kane, who enters the title fight riding a three-fight win streak, including a victory over grappling star Marcus Buchecha. But Malykhin remains unfazed by his opponent’s strengths.

“My opinion is [he’s still very raw]… Name me one name of a good fighter, a decent fighter that he beat. No,” he asserted.

Confident in his chances, Malykhin views this matchup as another stepping stone toward Ngannou.

“I'm going to finish the best wrestler who is coming from Africa,” Malykhin said with conviction. “In 2025, I’m ready to finish the best puncher from Africa.”