"I should have just done my job" - Anatoly Malykhin reflects on tough loss to 'Reug Reug' in initial encounter

(From left) Anatoly Malykhin and
(From left) Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane. [Image: ONE Championship]

Anatoly Malykhin admits he psyched himself out of victory in his first encounter with "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane in November last year.

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The reigning two-division ONE MMA world champion reveals how overthinking and outside influence contributed to his first-ever career defeat that saw the heavyweight crown shift hands inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

While speaking with the ONE Championship, Anatoly Malykhin said:

"The first mistake I made was that I was overthinking. I thought that 'Reug Reug' could do something supernatural. Everyone around me was telling me this. I didn't need to listen to anyone. I should have just done my job."
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His admission about overthinking demonstrates how psychological pressure can affect even the most experienced champions when facing opponents with mystique or unusual backgrounds that create uncertainty.

'Sladkiy' was a heavy favorite to continue his reign atop the heavyweight MMA division. But MMA's first three-division world champion had a night to forget in their main event showdown at ONE 169.

The Senegalese powerhouse eked out a split decision win over the Russian powerhouse, who was far from his usual best throughout their back-and-forth 25-minute slugfest.

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The Golden Team martial artist, however, can redeem himself when the pair renew their rivalry on the organization's most star-studded card of 2025.

Anatoly Malykhin will run it back with 'Reug Reug' for the heavyweight MMA crown in the co-main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, which emanates live from the majestic Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.

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Ibragim Dauev backs Anatoly Malykhin to exact revenge in Tokyo

Russian featherweight MMA sensation Ibragim Dauev envisions his compatriot evening the series against Kane at ONE 173.

In a separate interview with ONE Championship, Dauev, who describes Malykhin as his mentor and family, declared that he'd leave the Japanese capital city as a three-division MMA world champion once more.

The 24-year-old shared:

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"He's going to have three belts – it's going to happen."

Fight fans eager to catch ONE 173 live and in person can purchase their tickets here.

Follow One Championship News, Schedule & Results at Sportskeeda.

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Edited by Himakshu Vyas
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