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In the electrifying showdown at ONE Championship 166, Anatoly Malykhin etched his name in MMA history with a quote-worthy performance that left fans and pundits alike in awe. As the dust settled in Qatar, Malykhin emerged as the first-ever three-division champion in a major MMA organization, showcasing his unparalleled prowess inside the cage.
Malykhin's journey to this historic moment was nothing short of spectacular. With belts secured across ONE Championship's middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions, he has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of mixed martial arts.
From the opening bell, Malykhin dictated the pace of the bout, showcasing his dominance over Reinier de Ridder with every move. Evading takedowns and unleashing his trademark right-hand strikes, the Russian powerhouse left no doubt about his intentions in the cage. Despite de Ridder's valiant efforts to keep him at bay, Malykhin's relentless onslaught proved too much to handle.
The pivotal moment arrived in the third round when de Ridder attempted a takedown, only to be met with a devastating knee to the head from Malykhin. In a display of sheer power and precision, Malykhin seized the opportunity, ultimately forcing de Ridder to concede defeat.
With this remarkable victory, Malykhin extends his flawless record to 14-0, with all 14 wins culminating in finishes that underscore his status as a true knockout artist. His meteoric rise in ONE Championship since 2021 is a testament to his unparalleled skill and determination, with each triumph further solidifying his place in MMA history.
As Anatoly Malykhin basks in the glory of his unprecedented achievement, the MMA world is left in anticipation of what the future holds for this extraordinary athlete. With his name now synonymous with greatness, Malykhin's legacy in the sport is destined to inspire generations to come.