Anatoly Malykhin Recaps ‘Amazing’ 2024, Targets World Title Rematch With ‘Reug Reug’ In 2025
In 2024, Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin achieved the previously unthinkable when he became MMA’s first ever simultaneous three-division World Champion.
The Russian megastar also suffered the first defeat of his career.
At ONE’s blockbuster ONE 166: Qatar in March, he thoroughly dominated then-reigning middleweight MMA king Reinier de Ridder before finishing him in the third round. In doing so, he added to his jam-packed trophy case that already included the ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Titles.
Fans around the world celebrated Malykhin’s historic feat, but in November at ONE 169, he proved to be human. That night, he dropped a narrow, hard-fought split-decision loss against Senegalese powerhouse “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane to lose his heavyweight MMA gold and taste defeat for the very first time.
Despite that loss, “Sladkiy” had nothing but good things to say about his 2024 and vows to win back his belt in the coming year.
He told onefc.com:
“It was an amazing year. I’m grateful for every year and every challenge that comes my way in life. I live each day with happiness, and I’m thankful to ONE Championship and [ONE CEO and Chairman] Mr. Chatri [Sityodtong] for their work and attitude toward me. In 2025, I’ll reclaim my title.”
A consummate family man, fighting is only one aspect of Malykhin’s life.
Outside of the training room, ring, or Circle, he gives his energy to his wife Anita and young son Leo:
“When I’m not focused on fighting, I spend my time with my family. I spend a lot of time with my wife and my son.”
Indeed, the 36-year-old said that the high points of his year came not in fighting, but in his family life.
For him, his biggest accomplishment remains his loved ones and the opportunity to witness his wife and son continue to grow and evolve as individuals.
He added:
“This year, the highlights for me were watching my son learn to swim, fish, dive, and start practicing jiu-jitsu and playing football. My wife is also making progress. She’s learning English and started training. I’m so proud of their achievements. My family is my greatest pride, no matter what year it is – 2024, 2025, or beyond.”
Malykhin Wants Rematch With ‘Reug Reug’ In 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Anatoly Malykhin has specific goals both inside and outside of fighting.
First and foremost, he hopes to add to his family. Beyond that, he’s focused on once again holding the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title:
“Outside the ring, my wife and I hope to grow our family. If God wills, we’d love to have a second child. In the ring, my goal is simple – to reclaim my title. And I’m confident I’ll do it.”
Because Malykhin’s five-round, 25-minute battle with Oumar Kane was such a closely contested affair, he said that an immediate rematch between the two is only natural.
Then, once he’s reclaimed heavyweight MMA gold, he plans to defend any one of his World Titles against whomever ONE sees fit:
“In 2025, I want to focus on the heavyweight division. Of course, ‘Reug Reug’ is at the top of my list. I think a rematch with him is inevitable because our first fight was so close. We need a second fight to settle it.
“After that, I want to defend my belt twice. Whoever ONE Championship decides to match me with, I’ll fight. I never back down from a challenge.”
