Two-division ONE world champion Anatoly Malykhin isn’t one to mince his phrases. The Russian is again to taking part in his ordinary thoughts video games forward of his rematch in opposition to Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166: Qatar.

‘Sladkiy’ will run it again in opposition to ‘The Dutch Knight’ in the principle occasion of the group’s stacked debut within the area, which broadcasts dwell from the Lusail Sports activities Area on March 1.

After efficiently claiming the de Ridder’s gentle heavyweight crown of their first encounter, the Russian behemoth is now trying to turn into MMA’s first simultaneous three-division world champion.

Earlier than he makes an attempt to steal de Ridder’s maiden ONE gold, the middleweight strap, Anatoly Malykhin thinks that his former foe continues to be having nightmares from his first-career loss to him. They beforehand crossed paths at ONE on Prime Video 5 in December 2022.

He informed the South China Morning Put up:

“I wish him a really good sleep at night because I’m pretty sure he has nightmares about me. I’m pretty sure he sees me knocking him out every day, over and over again, so I wish him a really good rest, and I wish he could sleep better.”

Watch the total interview right here:

Relive Anatoly Malykhin’s smashing end of de Ridder

Heading into their showdown contained in the Mall of Asia Area in Manila, Philippines, then-two-division king Reinier de Ridder was touted as a favourite to maintain his unbeaten document and lightweight heavyweight world title inside his possession.

Nonetheless, Anatoly Malykhin had different plans, as he broke down the Breda native from the opening bell.

Ultimately, an enormous uppercut, a crushing proper hand, and a barrage of hammerfists did him good as he took the win at 4:35 of the opening stanza.

Now chasing three-weight glory, ‘Sladkiy’ will look to make use of that victory as a blueprint to ship one other efficiency for the ages when he meets the Dutch celebrity in the main event of ONE 166: Qatar.