De Ridder Vs Malykhin: Full Fight Rewatch & Analysis
Hey fight fans! What's up, guys? Today, we're diving deep into a massive ONE Championship showdown that had everyone on the edge of their seats: Reinier de Ridder vs. Anatoly Malykhin. This wasn't just any fight; it was a clash of titans, a true barn burner for the ONE Light Heavyweight World Championship. If you missed it live or just want to relive the excitement, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down the entire fight, look at the key moments, and give you our take on what made this bout so darn special. So, grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's get ready to rumble!
The Road to the Showdown: De Ridder and Malykhin's Dominance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the fight itself, it's super important to understand just how dominant these two warriors were leading up to this epic clash. Reinier de Ridder, often called 'The Dutch Knight', wasn't just a champion; he was a multi-division champion. This guy held belts in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, a feat few in the sport can boast. His record was pristine, a testament to his incredible grappling skills and surprising knockout power. He had this aura of invincibility about him, always calm, always in control, and always finding a way to get his hand raised. His submission game is legendary, and his ability to grind opponents down and eventually find that fight-ending hold is second to none. He moved through the divisions like a hot knife through butter, seemingly unfazed by the size difference or the caliber of his opponents. His path to this fight was paved with impressive victories, often making it look easier than it was. He was the king of the castle, and everyone knew it.
On the other side of the coin, we had Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin. Now, this guy is a different breed of monster. Malykhin came into this fight with his own undefeated record and a reputation for absolutely demolishing his opponents. His striking is ferocious, his power is off the charts, and his aggression is relentless. He’s not afraid to stand and trade, and he possesses the kind of power that can end a fight with just one clean shot. "Sladkiy", which means "Sweet" in Russian, is ironically anything but sweet once that cage door closes. He’s a whirlwind of aggression, always pushing forward, looking to land something heavy. He had already claimed the ONE Heavyweight and Interim Middleweight World Titles, showcasing his versatility and his sheer destructive capability. His journey to face de Ridder was equally impressive, marked by a string of highlight-reel knockouts that had the entire ONE Championship roster looking over their shoulders. He was the challenger, the wrecking ball aiming to dethrone the reigning king. The narrative was set: the technical, submission-savvy king versus the powerful, aggressive challenger.
The Tale of the Tape: Styles Make Fights
When you look at these two guys on paper, it's a classic stylistic clash that has fight fans salivating. Reinier de Ridder is the epitome of a grappling wizard. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt is no joke, and he uses it to perfection. He's patient, methodical, and incredibly strong on the ground. He's not someone who typically comes out looking for a wild brawl; instead, he looks to close the distance, secure a takedown, and impose his will. His control is suffocating, and once he gets you where he wants you, escape is often a distant dream. He’s also shown that he can hang on the feet, landing solid shots and even scoring knockouts when needed, but his primary weapon is undoubtedly his grappling. His ability to transition between positions, set up submissions, and maintain dominant spots is truly elite.
Anatoly Malykhin, on the other hand, is a striker's striker, a knockout artist through and through. His hands are heavy, his kicks are powerful, and his Muay Thai background shines through in his aggressive, in-your-face style. He loves to exchange leather and isn't shy about getting into a slugfest. He’s got a chin to match his power, meaning he can absorb a shot and still come back with his own devastating offense. His pressure is immense, and he can overwhelm opponents with his sheer physicality and attacking prowess. While he has shown improved grappling, his primary route to victory has always been through his devastating striking. He’s the kind of guy who can turn the lights out on anyone, at any moment. The contrast in styles made this a fascinating matchup – could de Ridder's grappling neutralize Malykhin's power, or would Malykhin's striking prove too much for the 'Dutch Knight'? It was the kind of question that kept us all guessing leading up to fight night.
Round by Round Breakdown: The Action Unfolds
Alright, let's get down to business and dissect the fight itself. The bell rings, and right away, you can feel the tension in the arena. Reinier de Ridder comes out composed, as always, looking to establish his range and perhaps close the distance. Anatoly Malykhin, true to form, is already looking to bring the pressure, stalking forward with intent, his eyes locked on his opponent. The early moments are crucial, with both fighters feeling each other out, gauging distance, and looking for openings. You see de Ridder utilizing his jab, trying to keep Malykhin at bay, while Malykhin is looking to cut off the cage and land something significant.
The first few minutes are a strategic chess match. De Ridder is looking for that moment to shoot for a takedown, to get the fight to the mat where he feels most comfortable. He feints, he probes, and he waits for the opportune moment. Malykhin, meanwhile, is defending well, keeping his base solid and throwing stiff jabs and powerful hooks. He’s not just waiting to be taken down; he's actively trying to land damaging strikes. You can see the power behind Malykhin's shots, and even if they don't land cleanly, they force de Ridder to be extremely cautious. There are moments where de Ridder does manage to get close, clinching up against the cage, trying to work for a takedown, but Malykhin's strength and defensive wrestling are proving to be a significant hurdle. He’s fighting hard to stay on his feet, knowing that’s where he holds the advantage.
As the rounds progress, the pace remains intense. De Ridder continues to try and implement his game plan, seeking takedowns and working for control. He might land a solid knee or a few punches in the clinch, but Malykhin’s defense is stout. Malykhin is landing the cleaner, more impactful strikes on the feet. He’s landing heavy leg kicks that are starting to take their toll, and his punches are finding their mark more frequently. You can see the damage accumulating on de Ridder. The 'Dutch Knight' is never one to quit, and he keeps pushing forward, but the sheer power and aggression from Malykhin are undeniable. There are several moments where Malykhin lands a significant combination that visibly rocks de Ridder, and the crowd roars. It’s a testament to de Ridder’s toughness that he’s able to weather these storms, but the momentum is clearly shifting towards the Russian powerhouse.
The Turning Point: Malykhin's Power Unleashed
The fight reaches a critical juncture where Malykhin's superior striking power and relentless pressure begin to overwhelm Reinier de Ridder. While de Ridder is known for his incredible grappling and submission skills, Malykhin's ability to absorb damage and land devastating blows on the feet proves to be the deciding factor. In one particular exchange, Malykhin lands a thunderous right hand that sends de Ridder staggering. The 'Dutch Knight' is tough, he’s been in tough spots before, but this shot has a different kind of impact. You can see the lights flicker for a moment. Malykhin senses the finish and unloads a barrage of follow-up punches. The referee is watching closely, and while de Ridder tries to cover up and survive, the sheer volume and force of Malykhin's strikes are too much. The fight is stopped, and Anatoly Malykhin is declared the victor by knockout.
It was a stunning display of power and a testament to Malykhin's dangerous striking arsenal. Even though de Ridder is a formidable opponent with a complete skillset, Malykhin proved that on this night, his power was the king. This victory wasn't just about winning a title; it was about overcoming a seemingly unbeatable champion and doing so in spectacular fashion. The crowd erupts, and Malykhin celebrates his hard-earned victory, solidifying his place as one of the most feared strikers in ONE Championship. De Ridder, despite the loss, showed incredible heart and durability, but Malykhin's performance was simply on another level. This fight will undoubtedly go down as a classic, a moment where a new dominant force emerged.
The Aftermath and What's Next
So, what happens after a fight like Reinier de Ridder vs. Anatoly Malykhin? Well, for Anatoly Malykhin, it's a monumental career achievement. He has now cemented himself as a multi-time ONE World Champion, holding titles in three different weight classes. That's an accomplishment that speaks volumes about his talent, dedication, and sheer will to win. He’s proven he can not only beat the best but dominate them, regardless of their accolades or reputation. His journey from challenger to undisputed king across multiple divisions is nothing short of legendary. Fans are buzzing about his next move, wondering who can possibly stand in his way. He's already conquered the heavyweight, interim middleweight, and now the light heavyweight divisions. It's a remarkable run, and "Sladkiy" has certainly earned his moniker as one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters on the planet.
For Reinier de Ridder, this loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially given his undefeated record and multi-division championship status. However, true champions always find a way to bounce back. De Ridder is known for his resilience and his deep understanding of the fight game. He’ll undoubtedly go back to the drawing board, analyze what went wrong, and come back stronger. He has the skills and the heart to compete at the highest level, and this setback only fuels his determination. We can expect him to regroup, perhaps make some adjustments to his training or strategy, and aim for redemption. He’s still one of the most dangerous grapplers in the world, and any opponent would be wise to respect his submission threat. His future remains bright, and the possibility of a rematch or a new challenge in another division is always on the table. He’s proven time and again that he belongs at the top, and this loss doesn't change that.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The legacy of both these fighters is being written with every bout. Anatoly Malykhin's victory over Reinier de Ridder solidifies his status as an all-time great in ONE Championship. His dominance across multiple weight classes is unprecedented, and his exciting, knockout-heavy style makes him a fan favorite. He's a true superstar, and his name will be etched in the history books. As for what's next, the possibilities are endless. He's cleaned out several divisions, and the challenge now is to find opponents who can even come close to matching his skills. Perhaps a move to a different weight class, or defending his multiple titles against hungry contenders, will be on the horizon. Whatever he chooses, you can be sure it will be must-see TV.
Reinier de Ridder, despite this bump in the road, still holds a significant place in the sport. His reign as a two-division champion was dominant and memorable. He's shown incredible skill and heart throughout his career. This loss provides a valuable learning experience, and we can expect him to return with renewed focus and perhaps an even more refined game plan. Whether he aims to reclaim his lost belts or pursue new challenges, his journey is far from over. He remains a threat to anyone in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, and his grappling prowess is always a dangerous weapon. The rematch between these two is always a possibility, and if it happens, it's sure to be another epic encounter. The landscape of ONE Championship has been reshaped by this fight, and we're all excited to see how things unfold for these incredible athletes.
