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In the world of MMA, dominance is measured not only by victories but also by the ability to conquer multiple weight divisions. Anatoly Malykhin, the reigning ONE heavyweight and light heavyweight MMA world champion, stands on the brink of history as he gears up to face Reinier de Ridder in ONE 166: Qatar.
Malykhin's prowess in the ring is undeniable. His two-division conquests have solidified his status as one of the sport's elite. Yet, despite his accomplishments, he remains humble and cautious, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead.
The highly anticipated clash against De Ridder, the current ONE middleweight MMA world champion, presents Malykhin with the opportunity to etch his name into the annals of MMA history. However, he refuses to boast prematurely, acknowledging that his debut in the middleweight division demands respect for its competitors.
During a candid conversation with ONE Championship, Malykhin displayed humility and respect for his opponents. Refraining from self-aggrandizement, he humbly stated,
"I can’t say that [being the best] about myself in the middleweight division because this will be my first fight in this weight, and it would be arrogant to say that I’m the best without ever having fought in it."
The Russian powerhouse's commitment to sportsmanship and fair play shines through his words. His quest for a third-world title isn't just personal glory; it's an aspiration to break barriers and achieve what no one has before—simultaneous domination in three weight classes.
As the countdown to ONE 166: Qatar begins, the MMA world eagerly anticipates witnessing history unfold in the Lusail Sports Arena. For Anatoly Malykhin, the pursuit of greatness isn't about claiming superiority prematurely—it's about earning it through sweat, resilience, and honor inside the cage.
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