‘Strong opposition is exactly what I need’: Malykhin excited by Tynan's rise

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Published: 09 Apr. 2024, 12:36 Updated: 09 Apr. 2024, 12:37

‘Strong opposition is exactly what I need’: Malykhin excited by Tynan's rise

Anatoly Malykhin defeats Reinier de Ridder at ONE: 166 in March. [ONE]

Three-division MMA king Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin was in the house at ONE Fight Night 21: Eersel vs. Nicolas on Prime Video on April 5 and watched live as Ben “Vanilla Thunder” Tynan notched his second ONE win.

The Canadian heavyweight pummeled Duke “The Duke of Canberra” Didier into defeat at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, adding a TKO to his previous submission victory over “Mighty Warrior” Kang Ji-won last November.

Now 6-0 in his professional mixed martial arts career and a true showman even when he’s not competing, Tynan has made his way onto Malykhin’s radar.

For his part, the reigning ONE Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion is thrilled to see a fresh contender continue his rise.

“I’m glad to see some new faces in ONE. Strong opposition is exactly what I need," Malykhin told onefc.com. “I’m happy there are guys who are not only good in the ring, but also developing their own style outside of it. They definitely bring something unique.”

Tynan certainly put on an impressive showing against “The Duke of Canberra,” working his way off his back before dropping the Australian with a thudding right elbow.

From there, the Elevation Fight Team man swarmed Didier, finishing him with ground-and-pound to bag a big win over the BJJ and judo black belt.

The stoppage also earned Tynan his second consecutive performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong — while maintaining his perfect finishing rate as a pro — and Malykhin agreed with Sityodtong’s decision.

“We all know Mr. Chatri always rewards fighters who deliver beautiful fights and who finish the fight in spectacular fashion," the Russian fighter said. “If he decided to give him a bonus, then it’s well deserved. After all, the guy finishes 100 percent of his fights early — and as a heavyweight.”

Anatoly Malykhin welcomes future battle with Ben Tynan

Following his win over Didier last Friday, Tynan quickly called out Malykhin in his post-fight interview.

After tearing off his T-shirt Hulk Hogan-style, “Vanilla Thunder” pointed to Malykhin’s recent win for the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title, claiming, “There’s not a middleweight on this planet that can beat me.”

Of course, Malykhin was not fazed by the taunts and welcomed a heavyweight tussle with the Canadian contender.

Now training out of Denver, Colorado, Tynan would love to fight in his adopted home, and “Sladkiy” is also open to that prospect later in the year when ONE returns to North American soil for ONE 168: Denver in September.

“I’m looking forward to sharing the ring with him. I think America sounds like the perfect place to really put him to the test," Malykhin said.

BY JAY FURNESS [kjdsports@joongang.co.kr]