Russian fighter Anatoly Malykhin, who became the first triple champion in mixed martial arts history, responded to a question about how he views his chances against former UFC heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou.
“Ngannou in MMA has no chance against me at all, and in boxing, I have the best trainer in the world, Johnny Hutchinson, so, Ngannou all the more has no chance,” the Russian said at a press conference after ONE 166 in Qatar. “Hey Ngannou, you’re next! You’re my chocolate pancake. Let’s go!”
ONE Championship leader, Chatri Sityodtong, is of the same opinion.
“Anatoly can fight anyone,” said the league head. “I don’t doubt that. Just look at his accomplishments – he’s won titles in three different divisions at 25 pounds. That speaks more eloquently than any words about his talent, skills and champion’s heart.”
“I have no doubt in my mind that Anatoly is the greatest heavyweight on the planet, period. Let’s leave aside the organizations and marketing. He has a 100 percent finish rate, he’s a one-punch knockout guy. He’ll move Francis down and smash him. He’s an elite fighter.”
The previous day, Anatoly Malykhin, who holds the ONE heavyweight and bantamweight titles, defeated Dutchman Rainier de Ridder by technical knockout in the third round to take away the ONE middleweight championship belt.
As for Francis Ngannou, he will step into the ring in a week against former world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, and if he wins, he will become the main challenger for the world boxing title, which will be decided in a fight between Tyson Fury and Alexander Usik.
Source: https://fighttime.ru/news/item/34066-anatolij-malykhin-brosil-vyzov-frensisu-ngannu.html?rand=19907
