ONE Championship: “Nothing’s Going To Change” – Anatoly Malykhin Unfazed By Shamil Erdogan’s Threats

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Three-weight ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin has had a gigantic target ever since he took over the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight divisions.

The call outs have been consistent, and last weekend at ONE 168: Denver, another challenger fired his shots. Unbeaten middleweight Shamil Erdogan terrorized former two-weight MMA king Aung La N Sang on Saturday, 7 September, inside Denver, Colorado's Ball Arena.

The Dagestani born prodigy called out Malykhin in his post-fight interview. Fortunately, "Sladkiy" was watching, and he admits he was impressed by Erdogan's prowess.

Malykhin doesn't take any threat lightly. So, should the two come to pass in the future, the Russian superstar won't underestimate his challenger - but he will show up the same rugged, relentless monster that the world's largest martial arts organization has gotten used to.

"It was a good fight, great fight, an excellent win for Shamil - bright, dynamic, and he's got a strong punch and solid grappling," Malykhin said.

"But I'm ready for all of that against any opponent. When it comes to a fight with me, I'll be ready for grappling, striking, and I'll be in top shape physically."

Many moons ago, Malykhin and Erdogan crossed paths on the wrestling mats. It was one of the few times the Russian kingpin ever tasted defeat in his combat sports career. But that was then.

Now Malykhin is on top of the world as the only three-weight king in MMA history. He's toppled the biggest names to achieve that status. So when Erdogan wants to step up, "Sladkiy" reaffirms that he'll be ready and his old foe will become the newest addition to his resume.

"If Shamil says I came into his territory, then he's stepped into mine. I'm the champion here, and ONE Championship is my home. I'm ready for any challenge," Malykhin said.

"We don't need a new champion; we love the old one! Shamil, nothing's going to change. It's going to be like always - and still!"

Before Malykhin can give any more attention to Erdogan, he must channel all of his energy toward ONE 169: Atlanta's main event on Saturday, 9 November. There, he defends his heavyweight crown against "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane inside Atlanta, Georgia's State Farm Arena.