In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the mixed martial arts world, Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin—arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in ONE Championship history—has officially hung up his gloves. The Russian powerhouse announced his retirement from MMA immediately after knocking out Oumar Kane to claim the ONE heavyweight title at ONE Friday Fights 154, held at Bangkok's legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Malykhin, now 38, leaves the sport with a remarkable 15-1 record and an unprecedented legacy. He is the first fighter in major MMA history to hold world titles in three different divisions simultaneously: middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. His journey through the ranks was nothing short of dominant, with every single victory coming by way of finish—11 knockouts and 4 submissions.
Following his latest triumph, Malykhin made the emotional decision to leave his gloves in the center of the ring, a symbolic gesture that signals the end of an era. "I want to say a big thank you to Mr. Chatri (Sityodtong) for giving me an amazing six years," Malykhin said through a translator, addressing ONE Championship's CEO. "I started losing the love for the sport, but being here today and having the support of everyone in the stadium—and the people from Russia who traveled to support me—means everything. Petr Yan has been training with me for the past two weeks. Thank you, Mr. Chatri."
When pressed to confirm his decision, Malykhin was unequivocal: "I'm done." He explained that after years of intense competition, he's ready to trade the cage for a quieter life. "That's it. I'm going back to Altai and taking care of my cows and my dogs. I'm tired of spilling blood and being away from home."
During his five-year run in ONE Championship, Malykhin defeated a who's who of elite fighters, including Reinier de Ridder, Arjan Bhullar, and most recently, Kane. His 100% finishing rate and historic three-division championship reign have cemented his place as one of the most feared and respected fighters to ever compete in the organization.
As fans and fellow athletes salute his incredible career, one thing is certain: Anatoly Malykhin's legacy will inspire future generations of fighters for years to come. Whether you're stepping into the cage or just hitting the gym, remember that greatness is built on discipline, heart, and the will to finish what you start.