Two-division ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin will channel the spirit of his childhood idol Fedor Emelianenko when he seeks to reclaim the heavyweight title from "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
Malykhin grew up watching Emelianenko dominate Pride Fighting Championships in Japan from 2003 to 2006, inspiring him to pursue mixed martial arts. The 37-year-old Russian now gets the opportunity to follow in those legendary footsteps.
"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," Malykhin said. "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."
The rematch stems from Malykhin's first career defeat, a split-decision loss to Kane at ONE 169 in November 2024 that cost him the heavyweight championship. Malykhin held titles in three weight classes before suffering the setback against the Senegalese wrestler.
Since that defeat, Malykhin has focused on addressing the mistakes that led to his downfall while preparing for the opportunity to reclaim his heavyweight crown.
"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," Malykhin said. "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."
Malykhin draws inspiration from Emelianenko's impact on Russian mixed martial arts and sees parallels between their fighting styles and finishing ability.
"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," Malykhin said. "We're all grateful to him. He will remain a legend forever."
The Golden Team representative promises to deliver the type of spectacular performance that made Japanese fans fall in love with Emelianenko's aggressive style during the Pride era.
"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," Malykhin said. "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."
Moreover, this time around Malykhin plans to reclaim his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title through decisive action rather than leaving the outcome to the judges.
"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 said.
The two-division rules also promises to return to the aggressive style that made him ONE's first three-division titleholder.
"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," Malykhin said.
