Three-sport ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is back in his home country of Russia as he prepares for his upcoming debut in North America. 

“Sladkiy” is set to put his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title on the line for the first time against “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta on Friday, November 8, and he recently took a significant trip to focus his body and mind.

Anatoly Malykhin reveals the strengthening nature of Altai

Malykhin recently held a fan meeting in his hometown of Kemerovo but also took time to visit the southern Siberian republic of Altai. In an interview with ONE, he explained why the region holds a special place in his heart. 

“It’s an extraordinary place with immense energy,” he said.

“Standing amidst these mountains that have stood for millions of years, you realize how small and insignificant we are in the grand scheme of things. It’s humbling. I love immersing myself in the fresh air, the crystal-clear water, and the rushing rivers. 

“While many seek solace in ice baths, I find solace in these mountain rivers, their vitality coursing through my veins.”

Apart from the natural beauty and resources of Altai, Malykhin also revealed that his visit was for a specific reason – antler baths. It is believed that soaking with antlers of marals (or Caspian Red Deer) helps a person receive various vitamins and other health benefits. 

The tradition is accepted in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Canada, and Russia, and Altai antlers are renowned as the best in the world.

“These baths are made from the antlers of marals, a species of deer,” he explained.

“The extracted essence is incredibly beneficial, and that’s one of the main reasons we visit Altai.”

“Sladkiy” is on a roll at ONE Championship

Malykhin will move back up to his natural weight after making history by claiming the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title from Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166 earlier this year.

He now holds the middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight crowns in ONE Championship, but it is no surprise that he is taking every step possible to keep his body strong ahead of his next big challenge. 

“Reug Reug” is enjoying a dominant four-fight winning streak in the world’s largest martial arts organization, and he represents the most significant opposition to Malykhin’s heavyweight reign.

With “Sladkiy’s” dedication to getting himself into peak position and Kane ready to serve the Russian his first career defeat, their battle is guaranteed to be a barnburner at ONE 169.