The Inner Circle on May 15 Main Event Result: Anatoly Malykhin Bows Out A Three-Division MMA World Champion
Russian megastar Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin reclaimed the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title in trademark fashion, stopping “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane in the main event of The Inner Circle on Friday, May 15, live in Asia primetime, from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.
The heated rematch carried enormous stakes after their closely contested first encounter in November 2024. Both giants held nothing back when the floodgates opened, determined to make a statement.
Kane managed distance early from his southpaw stance, having a go with side kicks and disciplined counters as Malykhin steadily marched forward searching for openings.
But the 38-year-old challenger – the ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion – ramped up the pressure in the second round and began uncorking his truck-like overhand punches whenever he stepped into range.
The Senegalese warrior refused to be dragged into any reckless exchange, though. He timed his entries well and even caught “Sladkiy” with an uppercut. It continued to be a tactical back-and-forth exchange between the two heavyweight titans when action resumed in the third stanza.
Kane’s side kicks continued to control distance while Malykhin found cleaner entries with heavy hooks and right hands. Even after absorbing clean punches, the 34-year-old Senegalese giant refused to wilt and continued firing counters back at his nemesis.
Round four took off on a similar note. The TRIPL3 MMA representative and “Sladkiy” kept emptying the tank in pursuit of the breakthrough, trading hooks, kicks, and counters in the center of the ring. But “Sladkiy” only needed one opening to change everything – just as he had promised.
The One Chance Team and Tiger Muay Thai affiliate connected with a right cross that landed flush and badly wobbled Kane. Sensing the finish, the Russian powerhouse exploded forward with a barrage of punches that forced referee Olivier Coste to wave off the contest at 1:54 of round four.
The victory improved Malykhin to 15-1, maintained his 100 percent finishing rate, and earned him a US$100,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong. Above all, he reclaimed his status as a three-division MMA World Champion.
However, an emotional Malykhin soon laid down his gloves in the center of the ring, signalling the end of his fighting career.
It was the perfect way for the Russian superstar to ride off into the sunset – revenge secured, the heavyweight crown back around his waist, and his place in ONE Championship history cemented forever.
