Anatoly Malykhin, set to fight Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane at ONE 169, remains focused on a future showdown with ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou, whom he believes lacks the overall skill set to compete with him, despite Ngannou’s powerful striking reputation.
Anatoly Malykhin’s got a fight lined up against Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane at ONE 169 this Friday. Yet, he’s still eyeing a future clash with former UFC champ Francis Ngannou.
Ever since Ngannou joined the PFL, Malykhin’s been chasing that dream bout. It could be a cross-promotion spectacle between arguably the top heavyweights outside the UFC. Ngannou, having left the UFC while still holding the title, might even claim he’s the true lineal heavyweight champion.
After two boxing matches, Ngannou made his MMA comeback in October, taking out Renan Ferreira in round one. That win stretched his streak to seven. Malykhin watched closely but wasn’t exactly blown away by Ngannou’s performance.
“Of course I watched,” Malykhin told MMA Fighting. “Nothing special there. Nothing too impressive.” He’s got his sights set on 2025 for their potential face-off. Confidently adding, “I’m ready.”
ONE CEO Chatri Sityodtong didn’t dismiss the idea of working with PFL to make this happen. However, he didn’t expect a thrilling contest if it does materialize.
“Francis has one-punch KO power,” Sityodtong said in June. “But no ground game. Blue belt jiu-jitsu and no wrestling. Anatoly would take him down easily.”
Malykhin agrees with Sityodtong’s assessment but finds the fight intriguing due to Ngannou’s reputation. “100 percent,” he said, noting Ngannou’s lack of wrestling and cardio skills.
Before any Ngannou showdown, Malykhin must first tackle “Reug Reug.” The Senegalese wrestler is riding high on three consecutive wins, including a victory over Marcus Buchecha.
Despite the hype, Malykhin isn’t worried about his opponent’s MMA skills. He sees Kane as more of a fitness model than a serious threat.
“He trains for looks,” Malykhin remarked. “Doesn’t give him any chance against elite fighters like me.”
Confidently predicting his victory, Malykhin aims to use this bout as a statement for Ngannou. “I’m going to finish the best wrestler from Africa,” he declared. And in 2025? He’s ready for the best puncher from Africa too.