Two-division ONE world champion Reinier de Ridder (16-0) has been one of the most dominant MMA fighters in recent history.
However, “The Dutch Knight” will face his toughest challenge yet when he defends his ONE light heavyweight world title against ONE interim heavyweight world champ Anatoly Malykhin (11-0).
The two undefeated divisional kings will meet in the main event of ONE on Prime Video 5 this Friday – and fans in the U.S. and Canada can watch all the action live and for free with an Amazon Prime membership.
This collision between the two titans will mark the first time that de Ridder defends his light heavyweight crown. He did, however, protect his ONE middleweight world championship on two occasions – first against former ONE welterweight world champion Kiamrian Abbasov and then against former middleweight titleholder Vitaly Bigdash.
At 16-0, the Dutchman remains untouchable. But so has Malykhin.
While the Russian’s unification bout with ONE heavyweight world champion Arjan Bhullar remains in limbo, Malykhin wants to continue his three-fight KO streak in ONE Championship and become an elite two-division king.
Malykhin’s power has helped him walk through Alexandre Machado, Amir Aliakbari, and, most recently, Kirill Grishenko, who he beat for the ONE interim heavyweight world title in February.
De Ridder would be wise to avoid a slugfest with the heavyweight juggernaut and keep the fight in his domain on the ground.
While the champ-champ may have a significant reach advantage at 6-foot-4, Malykhin’s steel-barrel build could make the fight uncomfortable for “The Dutch Knight.”
The two unbeaten stars have a lot on the line in this fight.
A successful light heavyweight title defense for de Ridder would make him one of the most legendary MMA fighters to ever compete in ONE Championship. Also, it could even persuade the matchmakers to give him a chance to vie for an unprecedented third belt in a third weight division, that being heavyweight.
As for Malykhin, a victory will give him even more momentum for when he eventually returns to unify the heavyweight gold in 2023. Plus, he would have the honor of being the only man ever to defeat the seemingly unstoppable de Ridder in his MMA career.
There’s a lot at stake for both men on Friday night, making this main event the perfect fight to cap ONE Championship’s first year on Prime Video.
