From humble beginnings in Kemerovo to becoming a triple champion in MMA, he has overcome challenges and emerged victorious.His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters worldwide, showcasing the rewards of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself in the pursuit of greatness.
On one hand, it signifies experience and wisdom, while on the other, it raises questions about physical capabilities and endurance. For Malykhin, however, age is not a hindrance but a badge of honor, a symbol of his unwavering dedication to his craft.
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Anatoly Malykhin: Career
Dominant MMA Fighter: Malykhin’s Path to Triple Championship
Malykhin’s journey in mixed martial arts (MMA) began with humble roots in Kemerovo, a city that lacked prospects for wrestlers.2
Despite this, Kemerovo boasted many skilled coaches and athletes. Malykhin’s fortunes changed when he met coach Vladimir Osiy in Moscow, who became his mentor and guided him towards a successful career in MMA.
Amateur World Championships and Professional Debut
In September 2016, Malykhin made his professional MMA debut by defeating Ilya Gunenko in the first round.
Just three months later, he faced Murad Kalimetov at Battle on the Volga Border 2016, winning by submission, showcasing his early dominance in the sport.
Amateur and Professional Success
Malykhin’s success continued in the amateur circuit, winning the Russian championship in amateur MMA by defeating Salimgerey Rasulov.
He then competed at the WMMAA amateur world championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, where he defeated top fighters to become a world champion in the heavyweight division.
Returning to professional competition in November 2017, Malykhin defeated Reza Torabi by TKO, showcasing his evolving skills.
He continued his winning streak with victories over Michał Wlazło, Magomedbag Agaev, and Jake Heun, all by first-round submission. Notably, his fight against Alexei Kudin at Fight Nights Global 93 demonstrated his dominance, leading to a TKO victory in the second round.
ONE Championship Debut and Success
After a successful run on the Russian regional scene, Malykhin signed with ONE Championship, where he made his debut against Alexandre Machado.
He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round, displaying his prowess in the global MMA arena.
Malykhin continued his winning streak by defeating Amir Aliakbari at ONE: Revolution, further solidifying his status as a top contender.
Interim ONE Heavyweight World Champion
In a highly anticipated bout against Kirill Grishenko for the interim ONE Heavyweight World Championship, Malykhin showcased his skills by winning via knockout in the second round.
His performance earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night award, highlighting his dominance in the heavyweight division.
He has spent years honing his skills, mastering the art of combat, and perfecting his craft. His age signifies not just the passage of time but also the countless hours of training, the sacrifices made, and the hardships endured to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
Double Champion
Malykhin’s journey to become a double champion began with a scheduled bout against Arjan Bhullar for the ONE Heavyweight World Championship. Although the bout was canceled due to Bhullar’s injury, Malykhin’s determination remained unwavering.
He faced Reinier de Ridder for the ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship and won by knockout in the first round, earning his second $100,000 Performance of the Night award and becoming a double champion.
Triple Champion and MMA History
Malykhin’s historic journey reached new heights when he faced Reinier de Ridder in a rematch for the ONE Middleweight World Championship.
He won the title by technical knockout in round three, becoming the first three-division champion in MMA history and the first to hold three championships simultaneously. His remarkable achievement solidified his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.
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Anatoly Malykhin: Net Worth 2024
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