ONE on Prime Video 5: Anatoly Malykhin destroys Reinier de Ridder to become double-champ

Two-division ONE world champion Reinier de Ridder put his light heavyweight crown on the line against interim heavyweight world titleholder Anatoly Malykhin on Friday night at ONE on Prime Video 5. Returning to the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, the two behemoths delivered a magnificent main event showcase.

Right from the opening bell, both fighters went after one another with de Ridder immediately stalking for a takedown. ‘The Dutch Knight’ tasted Malykhin’s power early, prompting him to clinch against the fence. Malykhin was able to break away and started throwing bombs, catching de Ridder with each one.

‘The Dutch Knight’ tried everything in his power to shoot for a takedown and muscle down Malykhin, but to no avail. Unable to get his man to the mat, all de Ridder could do is circle the cage and defend as the Russian juggernaut continued to stalk him.

Nearing the end of the first round, Malykhin delivered a right to the body and followed it up with a massive overhand right, dropping ‘The Dutch Knight’ with only seconds to go.

Smelling blood in the water, Anatoly Malykhin swarmed de Ridder, dropping hammer fists until the lights went out and the referee saw enough with just 25 seconds left in the opening round.

Official Result: Anatoly Malykhin def. Reinier de Ridder via KO (strikes) at 4:35 of Round 1 to capture the ONE light heavyweight championship.

Watch the finishing sequence below:

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Anatoly Malykhin earns rare $100,000 bonus for his spectacular finish of Reinier de Ridder

Anatoly Malykhin is going home with more than 50 pounds of ONE Championship gold and a stack of cash after his jaw-dropping knockout of former two-division champion Reinier de Ridder.

Speaking with Mitch Chilson after his light heavyweight title victory, Malykhin learned that he has earned not one, but two $50,000 bonuses for a whopping $100,000.

The Russian juggernaut immediately left the circle to thank ONE founder and CEO Chatri Sityodtong personally. Speaking to Chilson inside the circle, Malykhin said:

“I am so happy. I have the best family. The best wife. The best kid and look where I am right now. I have the best boss. Thank you everyone.”

Asked about his performance, Malykhin said he knew the light heavyweight title would be his.

“I already knew I was going to win since yesterday so I just want to thank all my people for supporting me and made it happen. I knew the belt was going to be on the chest of my coach.”

Before leaving the circle, Anatoly Malykhin let it be known that he wants to be the first man to capture four titles in ONE Championship. Already the holder of the ONE light heavyweight and interim heavyweight titles, the Russian juggernaut plans to take Arjan Bhullar’s undisputed heavyweight crown before challenging ‘The Dutch Knight’ for his remaining middleweight title.