Anatoly Malykhin has been calling out Arjan Bhullar for nearly the entire time he has been in ONE Championship. Although prior meetings have fallen through, the two heavyweights will collide on June 23. At ONE Friday Fights 22, ONE will have an undisputed ONE Heavyweight World Champion.
“I felt certainty that I will become the absolute ONE Heavyweight World Champion, which I believe I am already. However, there was a small technicality left – this fight with Bhullar. I was glad to see his name on the contract when I got sent it. He’s already signed contracts three or four times and never showed up to a fight. Therefore, we will see what happens this time. The important thing is that he makes an effort to get himself right to the ring,” Malykhin told ONE.
But Malykhin already feels he is that undisputed king. He is ready to defend the title against anybody, and “Singh” is merely his latest threat. Bhullar has not defended the gold since winning the ONE Heavyweight World Title from Brandon Vera in 2021. In that time, Malykhin has had nothing but knockout victories en route to becoming the ONE Light Heavyweight and Interim Heavyweight World Champion.
“I believe that a man who doesn’t fight and who has been holding up the whole division for over two years is not a champion. He should not be fighting in any league at all. Overall, it doesn’t matter to me what name is on the contract – be it Bhullar or “Buchecha.” I am happy to fight against any opponent, happy to be given another chance to show the audience my skills, [but] I hope this time the fight will happen,” the interim champion stated.
The matchup will tell the world a lot about both men. Bhullar has many questions to answer following two years away from competition, but Malykhin can also silence any remaining doubters. There is a deeper meaning to the title tilt, and Malykhin expects to emphatically answer the call.
If Malykhin wants to give his fans any expectations, it is that they will not be in for a long night. The Russian star makes no bones about his prediction for the unification bout. “Sladkiy” sees an early night in Bangkok coming to fruition.
“He has no chance at all. I’ll just knock him out. He’ll last until the second round at the most. There is no chance for him to last for five rounds,” the Russian claimed.
That bold prediction is exactly why the two-division king believes all fans should tune in to watch ONE Friday Fights 22. The Russian knows the series has delivered a cavalcade of memorable knockouts already, and he is ready to add to the highlight reel. Malykhin is prepared to make history on a stacked Friday morning event.
“I always aim for a knockout. I always try to be faster than my opponents and give a good show. I have to give it my all so that the audience enjoys those moments. My fight with Bhullar is worth watching simply because I will be knocking him out. Everyone loves knockouts, when big boys fall down – beautiful,” Malykhin said.
ONE Friday Fights 22 will be live from Lumpinee Boxing Stadium on June 23. The action begins at 8:30 a.m. ET/5:30 a.m. PT. The event will air for free on ONE’s official YouTube channel.
