Malykhin wins ONE 166 and becomes the first champion of three MMA categories

This Friday, the 1st, the Russian Anatoly Malykhin made history in ONE 166, in Qatar. The fighter defeated Reinier de Ridder by technical knockout and won the organization’s middleweight belt (up to 93kg), becoming the first to hold three belts simultaneously in three MMA categories. In addition to his recent victory, the athlete is also the light heavyweight (102.1kg) and heavyweight (up to 120.2kg) champion.

“I’m a legend. ONE is my home. Qatar, my dream is real, champion of three divisions. I thank my wife and my technician. Every day I work hard, I’m very happy. I want to thank all my family, fans, my country. I represent Russia and I will fight for it until the end.”said Malykhin, after the fight.

The feat that put the Russian’s name in history came without much difficulty, but in a busy duel that lived up to the expectations of those who followed him. While Malykhin bet on stand-up striking, De Ridder tried to take his opponent to the ground in the three rounds, but without success. The multi-time champion presented a large volume of blows, moving forward all the time and hitting the Dutchman repeatedly.

The now middleweight champion’s energy was impressive against an opponent who showed signs of fatigue since the second round. De Ridder, however, managed to go further. At the beginning of the third round, he tried to take down the Russian, who defended and responded with ground and pound goals. Afterwards, the Russian got to his feet, but the Dutchman was unable to get up and the referee declared an end to the fight.

Undefeated throughout his career, Anatoly Malykhin, who in addition to achieving the unprecedented milestone of three belts at the same time, also earned a hefty sum of US$50,000 (around R$250,000) for his victory over Reinier De Ridder.