“I’ll Fight Buchecha Next Year” – Anatoly Malykhin Targets BJJ Legend Next

Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin will enjoy the festive season even more than usual after his latest triumph in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 5 this past Saturday, December 3.

The ONE Interim Heavyweight World Champion scooped up two early Christmas presents when he knocked out Reinier “The Dutch Knight” de Ridder in the opening round – the light heavyweight gold and a cool US$100,000 performance bonus.

But while other World Champions would take this time off to focus on other aspects of life, Malykhin is already drawing up plans to strengthen his dominance atop two divisions.

And one athlete the Russian star has in mind is multiple-time BJJ World Champion Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida.

Anatoly Malykhin eyes Marcus Almeida

“I like Buchecha. He’s a good guy. Maybe I’ll fight Buchecha next year. I really like him as a person. So, I wouldn’t want to fight him honestly,” the Golden Team representative said.

“But if he keeps calling me out, of course, I will accept the fight. But [between] him and De Ridder, I cannot compare them because he’s so much better than Reinier in jiu-jitsu. So, if I happen to fight him, I will have to update my skills in jiu-jitsu.”

Of course, the most obvious option before Malykhin takes on anyone else is a ONE Heavyweight World Title unification bout with divisional king Arjan “Singh” Bhullar. 

Read more: “He’s a Winner” – Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida Gets Approval From Heavyweight Kings Arjan Bhullar and Anatoly Malykhin

But after a couple of failed attempts and an injury to Bhullar, the Russian’s patience has been drawing thin.

No interest in Arjan Bhullar

“He’s just weak. He doesn’t deserve to be in ONE Championship because it just happens, every single time. So he’s just a weak fighter,” the 34-year-old said of Bhullar.

In reality, Malykhin wants to take any option that falls in his hands next, and he has a couple of people that he trusts more than any to make it happen.

With two World Titles and an unbeaten record still intact, the Russian’s confidence is sky-high, and he wants to let his performances inside the Circle do the talking.

“I think I’m going to leave it to my wife because she’s my manager and, of course, the boss himself, Chatri Sityodtong. I’m ready for anyone. I’m just here to make the show, so everyone should be ready,” Malykhin said.

Read more: Anatoly Malykhin Proclaims That Arjan Bhullar Is Still Scared of Him – “It Will Be a Very Quick Fight”

“I’m going to put on a show every time I’m going to come to the cage. And I’m ready for anyone. I’m going to take everyone. And I’m going to win, so get ready for me.”