Three-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin believes his new ward, Rustam “Tomahawk” Yunusov, has a bright future in the world’s largest martial arts organization.

The 17-year-old Russian phenom made his promotional debut at ONE Friday Fights 54 last weekend and defeated Japan’s Amu Raya via unanimous decision inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Anatoly Malykhin’s Support and Gratitude to ONE Championship

Before the event, Malykhin’s wife, Anita, who co-manages the ONE CHANCE team with him, revealed that Yunusov wanted to join their team because he was inspired by the rise of “Sladkiy” on the global stage. He got his wish and wasted no time impressing his hero in his first fight.

Following Yunusov’s win, Malykhin expressed gratitude to ONE for giving his students the right platform. “I would like to thank ONE Championship for giving Rustam this opportunity. He showed his spirit, his character, delighted the Russian audience with his beautiful [skills], and gave [the fans] a show,” he told ONE in an interview.

The Russian powerhouse has always been vocal and supportive of his countrymen, and he explained why while speaking with ONE. “I am very happy to be in his corner, to be a part of our guys’ victories, to share the joy with them. Because for me, sport is life. I live it, so I always try to be in the corner of our guys and support them. I’m happy that they’re winning. That they’re making their way in life with their hard work, their perseverance, their spirit – it’s very cool,” Malykhin said.

Malykhin believes in Rustam Yunusov

Yunusov improved his record to 10-0-1 with his win over Raya, and “Sladkiy” believes it is only the beginning for him. Though only one fight into his ONE tenure, the three-division king is already tipping “Tomahawk” for ultimate glory.

“As for Rustam’s skills, he’s a very technical guy. Even though he’s still very young, I think he’s going to get better every year. In the near future, he will be very hard to stop. I am sure that Yunusov has a very good chance to win the ONE belt, and I am sure that he will show brilliant fights and the audience will love him,” Malykhin said.

“Sladkiy” expects his students to rise quickly ͏in th͏e world’s top martial arts organization and navigat͏e through a co͏mpetitive flyweight Muay Tha͏i division,͏ ͏curre͏ntly dominated ͏by the reigning ONE ͏Flyweight Muay Thai Wor͏ld Champion, Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuan͏gnon. What is your opinion on Yunisov? State your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More: Buakaw Banchamek Explains Why Stamp Fairtex Is a “Master”; Gives High Praise for the Three-Sport Champ