Malykhin celebrates victory at ONE. Photo: Reproduction/X/ONEChampionship
ONE Championship star Anatoly Malykhin managed to turn things around in MMA. Last Friday (15), in Thailand, the Russian faced Oumar Kane, 1,83m tall and weighing 117 kg, for the second time in his career and, after losing the first fight by split decision in 2024, he got his revenge, knocking out in the fourth round. Thus, the veteran became heavyweight champion again and, after avenging himself against the Senegalese and regaining the title, surprised everyone by announcing his retirement.
If the first fight between the heavyweights was criticized by many for its lack of action, the rematch wasn't pleasing either. Gradually, Malykhin loosened up, began to pose a threat to the Senegalese fighter and, when he had the chance, he finished the fight. Powerful, the Russian brought the duel to a close when he landed a clean right hook on 'Reug Reug', who collapsed in the ring.
See too
With his rival in a precarious position, but still in the fight, the athlete delivered a flurry of punches to seal the important victory. Resigned, Kane showed fair play and congratulated his tormentor. In turn, happy and relieved to get revenge on his opponent and regain the heavyweight belt, Malykhin, who practically did everything in ONE, posed for a photo with his three gloves, kissed them, and placed them in the center of the ring, bidding farewell to MMA in a memorable way.
Malykhin fighters in MMA
Anatoly Malykhin, 38, is a veteran of MMA and made his mark in ONE Championship. The Russian began his career in the sport in 2016 and debuted in the company in 2021. There, he became champion in the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions.
In this style of fighting, Malykhin built a record of 15 wins, all by stoppage (11 by knockout and four by submission), and one loss. His main victories were over Oumar Kane and Reinier de Ridder (twice).
THREE-BELT TIME 👑👑👑 Anatoly Malykhin is once again a three-division ONE MMA World Champion! @AnatolyMalykhin
🔴 Join The Inner Circle now for only USD9.99/month to catch live Superfan fights every Friday on https://t.co/SymCf6lx05 ! #TheInnerCircle #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/ijwZpNOIfC
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) May 15, 2026
Thank you, “Sladkiy” 🙏 Congrats to three-division king Anatoly Malykhin on a historic MMA career! @AnatolyMalykhin
🔴 Join The Inner Circle now for only USD9.99/month to catch live Superfan fights every Friday on https://t.co/SymCf6lx05 ! #TheInnerCircle #ONEChampionship pic.twitter.com/iTfZm8bNeK
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) May 15, 2026
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
Comments