Three-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is preparing for his huge defense of the heavyweight MMA crown in November. But first, he’s gearing up to witness a spectacular striking affair in September.

At ONE 168: Denver on Friday, September 6, two-sport World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty is set to defend the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against flyweight kickboxing king “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

Anatoly Malykhin’s thoughts on the Haggerty vs. Superlek Fight

Malykhin has watched both fighters tear through their respective divisions, and he is excited to see how they fare against each other. In an interview with ONE, “Sladkiy” explained who will have a better chance at taking home the home when ONE Championship returns for its second show in the U.S.

“Haggerty is on a roll right now, but Superlek has also been performing beautifully. I think the winner will be the one who is mentally better prepared because both of them have proven their skills in the ring,” he said. “They are unyielding, have strong characters, and can turn a fight around. It’s going to be a good fight.”

“The General” has been on a furious run since losing back-to-back matches to ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The British brawler went on a three-fight win streak before moving up to bantamweight in late 2023 and capturing the Muay Thai and kickboxing straps in the space of seven months.

Malykhin’s predictions for the match

Meanwhile, Superlek is on a 10-fight unbeaten run and is 14-1 in his ONE Championship tenure. In his last three appearances, he put down Rodtang in a Muay Thai super-fight at ONE Friday Fights 34 last September, took out Japanese star Takeru on his debut at ONE 165 this past January, and ended rising star Kongthoranee Sor Sommai’s seven-fight winning streak at ONE Friday Fights 68 last month.

Malykhin believes both fighters possess formidable weapons they can use to secure victory and the bantamweight Muay Thai strap. Because of that, he is torn when it comes to picking a winner – though he is certain fans will be treated to a long, drawn-out war.

“Superlek is big for this weight class and works very well with his elbows, often cutting his opponents. His advantage will be elbow strikes and size. Haggerty’s advantage is his speed and technique,” he said.

“Who will win? Only the gods will decide that day. Is a knockout guaranteed? I think this fight will go the distance.”