Soundtrack Of A World Champion: Anatoly Malykhin Shares His Surprising Musical Tastes
Reigning two-division ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin is known for his devastating knockout power and inimitable charisma, but most fans don’t know about the Russian powerhouse’s eclectic taste in music.
Beyond the ferocious fighting style that’s earned him a near-flawless professional record and a 100 percent finishing rate in victories, Malykhin has cultivated a soundtrack for his life that will surprise many of his followers.
His musical preferences span across genres and centuries. Here, we look at a side of the middleweight and light heavyweight MMA king that few get to see.
#1 Classical Compositions
While Malykhin is all aggression inside the Circle or ring, he appreciates the finer, more delicate things in musical culture. Perhaps the most surprising part of his musical tastes is his love for classical music, including the timeless works of Ludwig van Beethoven.
The 37-year-old’s appreciation for violin and classical arrangements reveals a contemplative side to the world-renowned knockout artist. If the mood is right, he might hit the heavy bag and find his rhythm to those age-old sounds.
#2 Hip-Hop’s Finest
Beyond classical compositions, Malykhin often gravitates toward hip-hop, particularly the works of legendary American rapper Eminem.
“Sladkiy” frequently trains to “Slim Shady’s” music, finding motivation in the rapper’s trademark flow and aggressive energy. That unique combination of hard-hitting beats and intense lyrics pairs perfectly with the MMA star’s explosive fighting style.
Malykhin also loves listening to famous Russian rapper Grot – one of his go-to artists when driving.
#3 American Nu Metal
The MMA megastar holds a special place in his heart for famed American nu metal band Linkin Park, whose blend of rock, rap, and electronic music has resonated with fans worldwide.
Malykhin says the band’s earlier works were instrumental in forming his wide-ranging taste in music, while Linkin Park’s distinctive sound and energy is still something he enjoys today.
#4 Live Music Experiences
Despite his busy schedule as the reigning ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion, Malykhin makes time to enjoy music in its purest form – live concerts.
One of his most memorable experiences was seeing Russian rapper Basta perform, describing the atmosphere in the massive crowd as both “beautiful” and “intense.”
With that concert under his belt, “Sladkiy” hopes to take in a live Eminem show in the future.
#5 Music That Doesn’t Move The Champ
Not every genre appeals to the two-division king. Malykhin draws the line at certain styles of music that simply don’t match his personal preferences.
Perhaps surprisingly, heavy metal and hard rock fall outside of his comfort zone, showing that even a fighter world-renowned for his aggression has his limits when it comes to musical intensity.
