Mansur Malachiev Claims Win Over Former Champion Yosuke Saruta Validates His Striking Skills

Mansur Malachiev’s rise in the ONE Championship strawweight division is a story of perseverance, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of greatness

His willingness to evolve beyond his wrestling roots and develop into a well-rounded fighter is a testament to his dedication to the sport.

With each fight, he continues to prove that he’s not just a wrestler, but a complete mixed martial artist capable of competing at the highest level.

As he prepares for his upcoming bout, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see what new tricks Malachiev has up his sleeve. One thing is for certain: the Russian contender is far from done, and his journey to the top is just beginning.

Mansur Malachiev: Proving He’s More Than Just a Wrestler

In the realm of mixed martial arts (MMA), a well-rounded skill set is crucial for success. One-dimensional fighters are often exposed in their weaknesses, making versatility key to longevity in the sport.¹

Mansur Malachiev, a Russian fighter competing under the ONE Championship banner, understands this well.

Though traditionally known for his wrestling prowess, Malachiev is eager to demonstrate that he’s much more than just a grappler.

His recent victory over former world champion Yosuke Saruta has served as a testament to his evolving abilities as an all-around fighter.

The Journey to MMA Prominence

Malachiev’s rise in the MMA scene has been marked by consistent improvement and determination. Born in Russia, the 32-year-old began his martial arts journey with a focus on wrestling, which is often regarded as the backbone of MMA.

His early career saw him dominate opponents through his strong wrestling base, gaining recognition in regional promotions before making his way to ONE Championship.

However, with every step forward, Malachiev realized that the path to greatness required more than just an elite grappling game.

Transitioning from wrestling to becoming a complete MMA fighter is no small feat. Wrestling provides a solid foundation, but striking and submissions are equally important in high-level MMA.

Malachiev dedicated himself to mastering these aspects, often spending countless hours honing his striking techniques and working with elite coaches to sharpen his skills. This dedication has paid off, as seen in his recent bouts where his stand-up game has shown marked improvement.

Mansur Malachiev: Win Against Yosuke Saruta

One of Malachiev’s most defining performances came earlier this year against Japanese veteran Yosuke Saruta at ONE Fight Night 19.²

Saruta, a former world champion, presented a formidable challenge with his aggressive striking and experience in the cage. For Malachiev, the fight was an opportunity to silence critics who labeled him a one-dimensional wrestler.

The bout was intense from the opening bell, with both fighters exchanging powerful strikes. Malachiev stood his ground and traded punches with Saruta, proving that he was more than comfortable engaging in a stand-up battle.

His defense was sharp, and he landed significant strikes that staggered his opponent on more than one occasion.

The unanimous decision victory was a statement win, showcasing Malachiev’s improved striking ability and tactical awareness.

The Evolution of Malachiev’s Skill Set

So, what has contributed to Malachiev’s evolution as a fighter? The answer lies in his commitment to becoming a complete mixed martial artist. Over the past few years, Malachiev has added Muay Thai and boxing elements to his training regimen, allowing him to be more dangerous in striking exchanges.

He has also incorporated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to enhance his submission game, making him a threat in every facet of the fight.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Malachiev reflected on his development:

“My goal was to win that fight with a solid advantage and I succeeded. I knew Saruta was a physically tough fighter, but I didn’t expect it would be hard for me to keep him down. On the other hand, it was good that it was a stand-up fight. It showed a lot of people that I am a good striker.”

These words reveal a fighter who is self-aware and willing to step out of his comfort zone. Rather than relying solely on his wrestling, Malachiev took the opportunity to engage in a stand-up war against a seasoned striker, demonstrating his growth and confidence in his newfound skills.

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Mansur Malachiev: Eyeing the Top Spot in the Strawweight Division

• With his victory over Saruta, Malachiev has firmly positioned himself as a top contender in ONE Championship’s strawweight division.³
• Currently ranked fifth, he has his eyes set on climbing even higher and challenging for the world title. The division is stacked with talent, featuring formidable champions and contenders, but Malachiev believes he has what it takes to dethrone the current champion and establish his dominance.
• Malachiev’s wrestling background will always be a valuable asset, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place.
• However, his evolution as a striker and his ability to adapt mid-fight make him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the division.
• He’s proven that he can go toe-to-toe with elite strikers and has the endurance and grappling skills to grind out victories in tough situations.
• This weekend, Malachiev returns to the ONE Championship ring, eager to continue his winning streak and showcase his refined skills. While his opponent has yet to be confirmed, fans can expect to see an even more polished version of the Russian fighter.
• His performance against Saruta has set a high bar, but Malachiev is determined to exceed expectations and leave no doubt that he is the most complete fighter in the division.
• In preparation for his upcoming fight, Malachiev has been training with some of the best athletes and coaches in the sport.
• His camp has focused on integrating striking combinations with his wrestling, as well as developing strategies to neutralize the strengths of his future opponents.
• This holistic approach to training ensures that Malachiev remains unpredictable and versatile—traits that are crucial for any fighter aspiring to become a world champion.

The Mental Aspect: A Key to Malachiev’s Success

Physical skills and technical prowess are only part of the equation in MMA. Mental fortitude plays an equally important role in determining a fighter’s success.

Malachiev’s calm demeanor and composure inside the ring are testaments to his strong mental game. He approaches each fight with a clear game plan, adapts to unforeseen challenges, and remains unfazed even when the fight doesn’t go according to plan.

This mental strength was evident in his bout against Saruta. Despite facing a tough opponent who was willing to trade strikes, Malachiev maintained his focus, adjusted his strategy on the fly, and executed his game plan with precision. Such mental resilience will be crucial as he moves forward in his career and faces even tougher competition.

A New Era for Mansur Malachiev

Mansur Malachiev’s journey is far from over. At 32 years old, he is entering his prime years as a fighter and is more determined than ever to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

His victory over Yosuke Saruta is a glimpse of what’s to come—a fighter who is not afraid to step outside of his comfort zone and challenge himself against the best.

In the coming months, fans can expect to see more of Malachiev’s versatile skill set on display. Whether it’s through his relentless wrestling, pinpoint striking, or tactical grappling, Malachiev is poised to become a household name in ONE Championship.

He has embraced the challenge of proving himself as a complete fighter, and with each performance, he’s inching closer to achieving that goal.