Anatoly Malykhin understands the importance of intimidation tactics in the lead-up to fights, but the Russian star admits there’s a fine line between trying to get into an opponent’s head and throwing unnecessary insults.

Malykhin has preferred the former over the latter as he prepares to challenge two-division king Reinier de Ridder for his light heavyweight crown in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 5 this Friday, December 2.

The interim heavyweight titleholder has stated that he can knock out the undefeated Dutchman while adding that a victory for him will shut out any hopes of De Ridder moving up to take a shot at the ONE Heavyweight World Title at some point.

Anatoly Malykhin respects Reinier De Ridder for maintaining decency even in trash talks

“The Dutch Knight,” meanwhile, has taken shots in kind, describing Malykhin as second best to him inside the Circle. The Golden team athlete doesn’t mind that. In fact, he’s open to it as long as De Ridder doesn’t comment on any issues that he deems sensitive.

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“In his trash talk, De Ridder never touched his opponents’ families, religions, wives, and children. For that, he has my respect,” he said. “We need trash talk, but it is not ok to cross the line. When it is funny and fuels some extra interest, I like that kind of thing.”

“He Doesn’t Bring Anything Really Special” – Despite Respecting Anatoly Malykhin’s Brutal Striking Reinier De Ridder Is Confident About a Victory

Fans who have followed him know that Malykhin is no stranger to mind games. But he prefers to keep it short, indirect, and catchy at times.

Malykhin eyes an enthralling bout against De Ridder along with the classy trash talking

The 34-year-old has spent the last ten months calling out ONE Heavyweight World Champion Arjan Bhullar for turning down offers to unify the divisional crown. The Thailand-based fighter was even seen wearing a t-shirt with Bhullar’s face on a chicken’s body when he cornered Fabricio Andrade for the Brazilian’s bantamweight World Title battle in October.

Reiner De Ridder Eager to Fight “Real” Heavyweight Champion Anatoly Malykhin Over Inactive Arjan Bhullar

Malykhin has walked the walk to back up any talk in his career, amassing a perfect 11-0 so far, and De Ridder has done the same across his 16-0 mixed martial arts slate. Hence, “Sladkiy” wants his verbal battle with De Ridder to continue, as it serves as a good momentum builder for their showdown at ONE’s second-to-last show of 2022.

“I like guys who can do the talking, who give a show before the fight. He is good at it,” he said. “De Ridder, let’s show some nice knockouts and have a stand-up fight!”