On Friday, March 1, Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin made history when he became the first athlete to ever hold MMA World Titles across three different weight divisions.

In the main event of ONE 166: Qatar, the Russian superstar stopped rival Reinier de Ridder to claim the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title, adding to his trophy case that already includes the heavyweight and light heavyweight MMA belts.

Anatoly Malykhin gives an insight on his matchup against Francis Ngannou

After the dust settled at the Lusail Sports Arena, the assembled media asked questions about what could be next for Malykhin, wondering how he’d fare against elite talent outside of ONE Championship.

Naturally, “Sladkiy” was asked about former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Currently riding a six-fight winning streak in MMA, the Cameroonian sensation recently tested himself in professional boxing, losing a razor-thin decision to top undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury.

Still riding high from his dominant showing against De Ridder, Malykhin expressed supreme confidence in his abilities against Ngannou.

Top Stories

Tom Brady Makes Career Announcement for Vegas as Pete Carroll Addresses Losing Raiders Locker Room

Dolphins’ Jordyn Brooks Publicly Calls Out Locker Room Over ‘Poor’ Performance Against Steelers

Cam Newton Makes NFL Return Conditions Clear to 32 Teams as Panthers Legend Confirms Retirement Stance

Caitlin Clark Shows Concerning Signs vs. Kelsey Plum During USA Camp Debut, per National Reporter

Andy Reid Makes Final Decision on Signing New Chiefs QB After Patrick Mahomes’ ACL Injury

When an American Legend Confessed to His Long Kept Promise to Dale Earnhardt That He Still Honors

He said that with his striking coach John Hutchinson by his side, he’d easily take out Ngannou. He said, “I have the best trainer in the world in boxing [John Hutchinson], therefore he doesn’t stand a chance.”

Indeed, the 36-year-old knockout artist now boasts a pristine 14-0 professional MMA record with a 100 percent finishing rate, solidifying his status as perhaps the sport’s most terrifying pound-for-pound puncher.

While he’s most known for his show-stopping power, fans shouldn’t forget that Malykhin is also a world-class freestyle wrestler, equally capable of dominating the fight on the mat as he is bombing away with punches on the feet.

Also Read: PFL Saudi: Francis Ngannou’s MMA Return Leaves Fans Concerned for Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira Outcome: “Winner Dies”

Chatri Sityodtong predicts that the three-division ONE champion could beat the former UFC champion

Given that supremely dangerous skill set and his unprecedented accomplishments, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong is also confident in “Sladkiy’s” chances against Ngannou, were that fight to happen.

Sityodtong said, “There’s no question Anatoly is the greatest heavyweight on the planet, full stop. Put aside different organizations and marketing. He has a 100 percent finish rate, one-punch KO power. He would take Francis Ngannou down and smash him. He’s an elite wrestler.”

Considering that both Francis Ngannou and the three-division ONE champion, Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin are both respectable finishers in their own rights, do you think that the ONE champion beats the most feared knockout artist? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Also Read: ONE 166: Anatoly Malykhin Makes History by Becoming the First 3 Division World Champion in Major MMA Promotions