Anatoly Malykhin Makes History as 3-Division MMA World Champ

Anatoly ‘Sladkiy’ Malykhin of Russia etched his name in the annals of mixed martial arts history by clinching the ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship in Doha.

The victory marks a monumental achievement as Malykhin becomes the first fighter ever to secure world titles across three weight classes.

The highly anticipated showdown, held at the Lusail Sports Arena, unfolded as a rematch between Malykhin and Reinier de Ridder, following their clash in December 2022 where Malykhin secured the light heavyweight belt with a knockout victory.

Amidst a charged atmosphere, De Ridder initially showcased his refined techniques, momentarily staggering ‘Sladkiy’ with a well-placed jab. Undeterred, Malykhin unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes, dictating the pace and forcing his opponent against the Circle Wall.

As the bout progressed, Malykhin’s relentless assault took its toll on De Ridder, culminating in a decisive victory for the Russian powerhouse. Referee Herb Dean called an end to the contest in the third round, solidifying Malykhin's status as a three-division MMA World Champion.

With an unblemished record of 14-0, Malykhin continues to assert his dominance in the MMA realm, maintaining a 100 percent finishing rate and reinforcing his legacy as one of the sport's most formidable talents.

The momentous event in Qatar also featured a riveting lineup of martial arts spectacles, including Tang Kai's triumph in the featherweight title unification bout and Joshua Pacio's reclaiming of the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship.

As Malykhin basks in the glory of his historic achievement, his victory resonates as a testament to perseverance, skill, and unwavering determination in the world of MMA.

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