‘I Got A Natural High’ – Anatoly Malykhin Thrilled To Witness Chingiz Allazov’s World Title Win In Person
Anatoly Malykhin told everyone that Chingiz Allazov was truly special ahead of ONE Fight Night 6, and on January 13, the Azerbaijani-Belarusian star lived up to that praise.
Allazov scored a second-round knockout over Superbon Singha Mawynn to claim the ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Title at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, but while many fans were shocked by the result, it came as no surprise to Malykhin.
The reigning ONE Light Heavyweight and Interim Heavyweight World Champion had seen some of “Chinga’s” preparations firsthand at Tiger Muay Thai in Phuket.
And with that in mind, he knew exactly what the dangerous challenger was capable of.
“Sladkiy” said:
“I had already said that Chingiz is very good with the hands. He hits from all angles. I saw him the day before the fight. He was very motivated, very charged. In addition to that, he has a great coach who is doing a good job and gives the right cues during the fight.
“I also said that Superbon is very good on his feet, but he’s not a fighter of Chingiz’s level. During the last fight, Chingiz proved that he’s a class above Superbon.”
Although the featherweight striker and heavyweight mixed martial artist didn’t train together at Tiger Muay Thai, they did become friends.
And when Allazov dethroned Superbon to claim the gold, Malykhin joined him inside the Circle to celebrate.
“Sladkiy” knows how special that crowning moment is – and how difficult it is to achieve – so he was honored to share it with “Chinga.”
Malykhin said:
“I would like to say thank you to Chingiz from my family and me. My wife and I were at that fight, and I got a natural high from watching him fight. I know how hard it is to do this and how hard it is to go after your dreams. I am genuinely happy for the guys who succeed.
“Chingiz and Andrei Gridin, his coach, invited me into the Circle, and I had the honor of giving him a hug. I, of course, was very pleased that they invited me into the Circle to share this great happiness with them.”
Malykhin Also Amazed By Gantumur Bayanduuren’s ‘Crazy’ Warrior Spirit
Chingiz Allazov’s World Title victory wasn’t the only memorable moment for Anatoly Malykhin at ONE Fight Night 6.
The light heavyweight king was just a few feet away from the action all night, and he revealed how shocked he was while watching Mikey Musumeci’s ONE Flyweight Submission Grappling World Title win over challenger Gantumur Bayanduuren.
Bayanduuren endured some wince-inducing submission attempts and shocked fans by reaching the final bell, ultimately losing via decision. And like fans watching around the world, Malykhin was blown away by the Mongolian’s refusal to tap despite “Darth Rigatoni’s” damaging leg locks.
Malykhin added:
“I was standing a meter away from the cage, and I could not even look at what was going on. I don’t know how he endured it, but I saw with my own eyes how his knee joints were popping out. It was a horrible scene.
“This guy showed everyone that the Mongolian people, Mongolian fighters, Mongolian grapplers have a tremendous spirit, a great character. He showed that he was ready to go all the way, no matter the circumstance. It was crazy. God bless him.
“He impressed everyone here with his fighting spirit.”
