Islam Makhachev knows a thing or two about elite mixed martial arts. He is the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and stands atop the company’s pound-for-pound rankings. Yet, he does not believe the title of the most dangerous man on the planet belongs to him.
He gives that moniker to ONE Championship’s Anatoly Malykhin.
Makhachev posted those thoughts to his Instagram stories following Malykhin’s triumph at ONE 166: Qatar, where he became a three-division king by capturing the ONE Middleweight MMA World Championship.
Malykhin holds a perfect 14-0 professional record. Since arriving in ONE in 2021, he has been a perfect 6-0 with six KO/TKO finishes.
On March 1, the Russian bulldozer stuffed the takedown attempts from Reinier De Ridder and used his damaging punching power to wilt the Dutchman. In the third round, De Ridder could not reach his feet and signaled the end of the bout.
“Sladkiy” now holds the ONE Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight, and Middleweight MMA World Championships.
The achievement is the first of its kind in mixed martial arts. Malykhin has already carved out a special slot in the sport’s history. But he shows no signs of slowing down, which only means his legacy is certainly to grow.
Makhachev’s praise of his fellow countryman is resounding recognition of what he has been able to accomplish. The scariest part for anyone looking to challenge Malykhin is that he is only getting better.
The 36-year-old is a Russian Wrestling Champion with good boxing fundamentals and crushing power. There are few holes in his game already. It will take a Herculean effort to dethrone “Sladkiy” in all three divisions.
After Malykhin’s most recent domination inside the Circle, it is difficult to disagree with Makhachev. Malykhin is the most dangerous man on the planet.