ONE 169 preview and predictions: Anatoly Malykhin vs. 'Reug Reug'

(From left) Anatoly Malykhin and
(From left) Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane [images via ONE Championship]

Anatoly Malykhin and 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane are set to blow the roof off the Lumpinee Stadium when they collide in the ONE 169 main event.

Both behemoths are fired up to stretch their winning ways in their ONE heavyweight MMA world title matchup. Unfortunately, one will have to lose.

Malykhin, who created history by becoming the first simultaneous three-division MMA world champion in Qatar earlier this year, is ready to keep his perfect resume and 100 percent finishing rate intact.

On the flip side, the Senegalese colossal is certain he'll be the man to crush 'Sladkiy's' dream and shut him up for good.

Whichever way this fight ends up, an explosive affair is a certainty. Malykhin and Kane are equipped with world-class ground games and monstrous knockout power, making a highlight-reel finish not a question of if but when.

As always, Sportskeeda MMA's team of experts give their full rundown and predict the winner for this must-watch slugfest at ONE 169, which will be available to active Amazon Prime Video subscribers in North America live in U.S. primetime on Nov. 8.


Ted Razon: Anatoly Malykhin via second-round KO

The time for talk is over for Malykhin and ‘Reug Reug’. After the feisty trash talk these two behemoths exchanged, I see all hell breaking loose as soon as the bell rings.

Anatoly Malykhin and ‘Reug Reug’ will likely throw high-volume and powerful strikes from the get-go. The triple champ will use his speed advantage and land his crisp jabs and devastating hook combinations.

The Senegalese giant, however, remains dangerous especially in the early goings if he can find a way to land his wild haymakers.

I expect the Russian to push the pace with his godly gas tank, something that ‘Reug Reug’ has shown weakness in the past. The challenger will likely initiate a clinch battle once he feels the difference in speed and power.

Malykhin, however, has never been taken down, and I don’t see ‘Reug Reug’ having the ability to do so.

Kane will get tagged several times and will barely survive round one. I foresee Malykhin putting more pressure and breaking ‘Reug Reug’ in round two with a devastating right hand followed by some wicked ground and pound.


James De Rozario: Anatoly Malykhin via second-round KO

Maybe, just maybe, 'Reug Reug' can overcome Anatoly Malykhin. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening in this world we exist in.

'Sladkiy' is simply strides ahead of anyone in the heavyweight, light heavyweight, and middleweight division. Therefore, my money is on the Russian superstar closing the show with a third-round knockout.

His knockout power and merciless ground game have been well-documented throughout his rise to the top of three divisions, but one thing that has largely gone under the radar is his technical brilliance.

Malykhin doesn't just barge in. Every step he takes in enemy territory is calculated to perfection, and that finesse will be vital against someone who has knockout power for days.

Anatoly Malykhin should make the challenger miss more than he lands and not over-commit. From there, he'd find for openings to connect when it matters most in the opening stanza. Once he has Kane figured out, 'Sladkiy' will go in for the kill in the second round and wrap proceedings with his dynamite right hand.


Mike Murillo: Anatoly Malykhin via third-round TKO

Anatoly Malykhin has been unstoppable since stepping foot in ONE Championship in 2021 and I expect him to continue that in his heavyweight MMA title clash against 'Reug Reug' at ONE 169. And I see him winning by TKO in the third round.

No doubt about it, 'Reug Reug' is a dangerous foe with his solid ground game and punching power, as clearly seen in his four-fight winning streak heading into his showdown with the heavyweight king.

But his cardio is still a suspect for me, which could be fatal against an opponent like Anatoly Malykhin, whose conditioning is exceptional each time he sees action.

‘Sladkiy’ should be in the face of the Senegalese challenger right at the onset of their scheduled five-rounder, steadily putting pressure on his opponent for all directions and eventually overwhelming 'Reug Reug' for the finish.


Vince Richards: Anatoly Malykhin via third-round KO

This will be the first time that Anatoly Malykhin defends one of his three belts, but that doesn’t mean this will be a difficult test for the three-division king.

Anatoly Malykhin has been dominant in whatever style he faced, as evidenced by his knockout wins over the brawling Amir Aliakbari and the technical Reinier de Ridder.

I see the reigning ONE middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight MMA world champion to put Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane by the third round after he’s carefully studied the Senegalese wrestling machine.

The only way for ‘Reug Reug’ to get this win is to get this fight to the ground, but that area is another domain Malykhin has terrifying control of.

Anatoly Malykhin is Master of Sport in Freestyle Wrestling, but I don’t expect him to bring this fight to the ground.

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Edited by Harvey Leonard
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