Russian MMA Star Anatoly Malykhin Aims for Third Title in Qatar

Qatar is set to witness a historic showdown as Anatoly 'Sladkiy' Malykhin, already holding the ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Titles, seeks to make history in a bid for a third title.

Scheduled for March 1st, 2024, at the Lusail Sports Arena, Malykhin will face reigning ONE Middleweight MMA World Champion Reinier de Ridder in a highly anticipated rematch. This event, part of ONE 166: Qatar, promises a thrilling evening of intense MMA action.

The clash between Malykhin and De Ridder comes after their initial meeting at ONE Fight Night 5 in December 2022. Malykhin secured victory in the first round, handing De Ridder his first professional loss and claiming the light heavyweight crown.

Since their first encounter, both fighters have taken distinct paths. De Ridder honed his skills with top Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coaches in the USA, engaging in a grappling super-fight. Meanwhile, Malykhin solidified his status as the undisputed heavyweight MMA champion with a decisive victory over Arjan 'Singh' Bhullar.

The upcoming bout is a chance for De Ridder to even the score, prove himself as the best middleweight mixed martial artist, and hand Malykhin his first professional defeat. On the other hand, Malykhin aims to etch his name in history by becoming the first three-division World Champion in MMA.

The Lusail Sports Arena will open its gates at 3:30 pm on March 1st, 2024, offering fans a chance to witness this historic clash. Tickets for ONE 166: Qatar are available for purchase here, promising an unforgettable night of high-stakes MMA action in Qatar.