Defying The Odds: How Anatoly Malykhin Silenced Doubters And Became A Three-Division MMA World Champion

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Anatoly Malykhin had only one dream ever since he was a child - to become a world champion. Today, he is living proof that, with a little heart and soul, dreams can come true.

The three-division king will headline ONE 169 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on 9 November to defend his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title against Senegalese wrestling sensation "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane.

"Sladkiy" has achieved tremendous success across three divisions, an accomplishment that is unheard of in all of MMA. He boasts a professional record of 14-0 with 100 percent finishing rate, winning 10 fights by knockout and four by submission.

The Russian powerhouse, however, had to face harsh skepticism from people, including his teacher, to get to where he is today. He acknowledges that only one person besides himself believed in his dreams, and that was his wife - Anita.

"At school, I wasn't very good at academics but always loved sports. My math teacher always brought me to the board and asked, 'What's going on with you, Anatoly?' I said, 'I will become a world champion. This is my dream,'" Malykhin said.

"And she always laughed, saying, 'Calm down, what world championship are you talking about?' Despite everything that happened in my life, I have made it and realized my childhood dream. There was only one person I met on my way. Only Anita said, 'You are going to do it.'"

The 36-year-old superstar has attained unprecedented success through hard work, courage, and determination. He has now become a source of inspiration for millions of his compatriots and fans around the globe.

Malykhin not only holds three gold belts, but he also has a heart of gold. All he wants to do is inspire people to achieve their dreams, regardless of what industry they are in. After all, he believes that motivating others is far more important to him than winning titles.

"If you believe in something strongly and you are ready to sacrifice a lot, then you will succeed. Regardless of how hard it is, always keep moving, and I think when you find your way, you will come across the right people on your way," the Kemerovo native said.

"I wish to leave a legacy not in the form of my belts or triple championships, but the path I have walked in this life, so that people can see that anything is possible. An ordinary guy can [do it]."