The Stars Predict Reinier De Ridder Vs. Anatoly Malykhin At ONE On Prime Video 5
Fans around the globe are in for a treat, as the world’s largest martial arts organization is capping its first year on Amazon Prime Video Sports with a super-fight between undefeated MMA World Champions.
This Friday, December 2, two-division ONE World Champion Reinier de Ridder will defend his light heavyweight belt against interim heavyweight king Anatoly Malykhin at ONE on Prime Video 5, which broadcasts live in U.S. primetime.
De Ridder will enter the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines, with a flawless 16-0 professional record and an 88 percent finishing rate. The Dutchman also brings a 5-inch height advantage into the Circle and a deadly pair of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and judo black belts.
Malykhin may be shorter and stockier, but he is just as dangerous. The Russian juggernaut owns an 11-0 slate, a 100 percent finishing rate, and a heavy wrestling skill set with one-punch knockout power.
Their main event clash has everyone talking, including our athletes. Ahead of De Ridder and Malykhin’s battle at ONE on Prime Video 5, ONE Championship’s finest stars made their predictions.
Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida
“RDR wins. He is a great black belt and has a really efficient game for MMA. I think this fight will go to the ground, and we’ve never really seen Anatoly’s grappling game.”
Jonathan Di Bella
“I will go with Anatoly. I think he will keep it on the feet and will try to finish him with punches.”
Jarred Brooks
“De Ridder will be too overwhelming and will submit Malykhin in the third round.”
Alyse Anderson
“I’m picking Reinier because I think he has fought a lot of high-level guys, and it will probably go to a decision.”
‘Reug Reug’ Oumar Kane
“I think Anatoly will do well and get the victory, as both men are great fighters and will put on a good battle.”
Zebaztian Kadestam
“I’m picking Malykhin by TKO in round four. I think he will be able to stop the takedowns and find the opening.”
Tom DeBlass
“I’m going to go with De Ridder by submission. However, Anatoly has that one-punch KO power!”
Agilan Thani
“I think Malykhin can win because he’s just a bigger guy dropping down. There’s not too much of a big difference in weight because usually, he is only at 109 or 110 kilograms. And now, he just dropped to 103, which is a safe drop to maintain his power and wrestling abilities.”
