Before Anatoly Malykhin makes his way to Atlanta to defend the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title at ONE 169, he will be locked in for ONE Championship’s return to Denver. The Russian is amped for Jonathan Haggerty defending the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on September 6. According to Malykhin, the collision of the sport’s two most dominant strikers will come down to who outsmarts the other.
“Haggerty is on a roll right now, but Superlek has also been performing beautifully. I think the winner will be the one who is mentally better prepared because both of them have proven their skills in the ring,” Malykhin told ONE.
Haggerty is riding a winning streak that includes knockouts over Nong-O Hama and Fabricio Andrade. Since moving to bantamweight, he has been a force. However, Superlek’s 10-match winning streak has many believing he is the pound-for-pound best in the game today. Malykhin knows the match will be entertaining one way or the other.
“They are unyielding, have strong characters, and can turn a fight around. It’s going to be a good fight,” the Russian said.
Although Superlek is moving up in weight, Malykhin doesn’t believe that will be an issue for the Thai superstar. In fact, he gives the speed edge to the Brit. The difference in styles and strengths means Denver will be given one of the sport’s biggest and best Muay Thai bouts of the year.
“Superlek is big for this weight class and works very well with his elbows, often cutting his opponents. His advantage will be elbow strikes and size. Haggerty’s advantage is his speed and technique,” Malykhin remarked.
The Russian did not give a prediction. He was too split between the two. However, Malykhin was clear he thinks it will go the full five rounds.
“Who will win? Only the gods will decide that day. Is a knockout guaranteed? I think this fight will go the distance,” Malykhin stated.
ONE 168: Denver airs live on Friday, September 6, from the Ball Arena at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Prime Video.
