The chance to compete on martial arts’ biggest stage, in a city that has played such a significant role in its history, means everything to Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin, who views his rematch against “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane as an opportunity to pay homage to the man who inspired his journey.
Malykhin grew up watching Russian MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko, and dreamed of following in the legend’s footsteps.
At ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, live from Tokyo’s iconic Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16, “Sladkiy” will get to do just that, as he attempts to reclaim the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship from “Reug Reug,” the very same man who stole his crown a year ago.
The 37-year-old suffered the first defeat of his professional career during his first encounter with Kane in November 2024. Despite giving everything he had against the Senegalese behemoth for five grueling rounds, Malykhin ultimately succumbed via split decision, surrendering his heavyweight gold in the process.
Since that defeat, the Russian superstar has spent his time meticulously upgrading his craft in the gym, and when the contract for a rematch arrived on his desk, he did not hesitate to put pen to paper.
The ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion shared:
“I’m very glad that Mr. Chatri [Sityodtong] considers me worthy of a co-main event spot. For me, this is a big joy knowing that my work over the years has been recognized. I earned it with my attitude, dedication, and fights, and I’m glad to be part of such big events. I won’t let them down.”
For “Sladkiy,” this fight presents far more than just an opportunity to exact vengeance over a fierce rival. It’s also his chance to emulate Emelianenko’s rise in the very city where countless martial arts legends have been forged.
As a young boy raised in the small town of Kemerovo, Malykhin witnessed Emelianenko dominate Japan’s Pride Fighting Championships, where he reigned as the heavyweight champion from 2003 to 2006.
This inspired Malykhin to chase his own greatness, just like his idol:
“I watched Fedor’s fights on my broken computer, and it was that fight that took place in Pride. Back then, I couldn’t even think that someone would compare us. But with my hard work, my family’s dedication, and my coaches’ work, I have earned such a comparison, and for me, this is cool.
“Fedor is more than just a fighter. He paved the way for us, showed us the path, and brought MMA to Russia. He’s the first person who brought MMA to Russia. We’re all grateful to him. He will remain a legend forever.”
Like “The Last Emperor,” Malykhin built his reputation on being a complete mixed martial artist with fearsome finishing ability across all areas of combat.
Both Malykhin and Emelianenko possess a rare combination of explosive knockout power, elite grappling skills, and the mental fortitude to perform under the brightest lights.
As the Russian star looks to achieve his redemption against “Reug Reug” this November, Malykhin feels a weight of responsibility in honoring Emelianenko’s legacy. But he’s also ready to fill those enormous shoes and write a new chapter of his career at ONE 173:
“This will be the best show I will put on. I will go forward and knock out my opponent. Japan needs a second Fedor Emelianenko.”
Malykhin Promises All-Out War Against ‘Reug Reug’
Just as Fedor Emelianenko thrilled audiences with his devastating performances across 25 fights on Japanese soil, Anatoly Malykhin is fired up to transport fans back to the golden era of MMA with a vintage performance.
Emelianenko’s dominance in Japan wasn’t just about winning – it was about delivering the type of spectacular finishes that created lasting memories for fans in the country and around the world.
Malykhin, who has attained each and every one of his victories on the global stage in highlight-reel fashion, is ready to channel that same energy against “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane in their ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title rematch.
The two-division MMA king told onefc.com:
“When I visited Tokyo, Japan, for the first time, the first thing I noticed was a place with great history and people who value martial arts very much. I’m a fighter of the new school, but I will show and give them a spectacle of those old fights, that old school of fighting that they love so much.”
Now that Malykhin has had a taste of defeat and the aching it left in his heart, the 37-year-old is determined to return to the winning column, reclaim the coveted gold, and bring the Japanese MMA faithful back in time with another inspiring performance.
“Sladkiy” is fixated on proving that his setback against Kane was but a minor blip on the road to greatness, and he’s ready to do that the only way he knows how – by putting an end to “Reug Reug’s” title reign with his fists.
The Russian juggernaut warned:
“I don’t want to be beaten. You will see the same Anatoly who knocks out his opponents, whom you all love. The version that always goes forward, hunts for a knockout, goes for a bonus, and gives himself completely in a fight. You will see that old Anatoly, fully motivated and rested.”
AloJapan.com