When Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin steps into the Circle, he doesn't just win—he destroys. The Russian juggernaut's six-fight run in ONE Championship was a masterclass in total domination, with every single victory coming by way of finish. That's the kind of relentless energy every fighter should bring to the cage, and it's the same spirit we channel into our performance gear.
Malykhin, the first-ever three-division MMA World Champion in ONE history, has built a jaw-dropping 14-1 professional record with a perfect finishing rate. Every win has come inside the distance, a testament to his elite blend of freestyle wrestling and explosive striking. From the moment he arrived on the global stage in 2021, "Sladkiy" overwhelmed opponents with constant pressure, raw physical strength, and an iron will to never let a fight reach the final bell.
That aura of invincibility took a hit at ONE 169 when "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane handed him his first career loss in a grueling five-round war. Their rivalry had already been brewing for years with heated exchanges and tense moments, and that clash only added more fuel to the fire. Now, Malykhin returns on May 15 at The Inner Circle, not just to avenge that defeat, but to reclaim the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title and restore his legacy as a rare three-division champion.
Before that high-stakes rematch, let's relive the finishes that built his legend. His promotional debut at ONE: Fists of Fury II in March 2021 was a perfect showcase of his approach. Facing Brazilian veteran Alexandre "Bebezao" Machado, the Tiger Muay Thai powerhouse shut down any striking exchanges and imposed his grappling dominance. When Machado tried to initiate a takedown, Malykhin countered, secured control, and dictated the fight's pace. He methodically advanced position with patience, then trapped Machado in the crucifix. From there, it was all over—a sustained barrage of punches and elbows left his opponent helpless, forcing the referee to step in late in the first round.
Whether you're training for your own comeback or just love the thrill of a perfect finish, Malykhin's story reminds us that greatness is built one decisive moment at a time.