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While he thought the unification bout between weightlifters Anatoly Malekhin and Arjan Bhullar could have yielded more, ONE CEO and Chairman Chatri Sytodtung still commended the two fighters for putting up an interesting fight.
The two biggest heavyweight divisions finally met to unify the divisional belt on June 23 at ONE Friday Fights 22 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok.
Former world heavyweight champion Anatoly Malykhin sent defending former champion Arjan Bahular into a third-round technical knockout (punches) to become the undisputed king of the division.
Despite his leg injury, the Russian fighter was in control from the start, steadily tearing down Arjan Bhullar with powerful jabs. It ultimately came to an end at 2:42 of the third round as Singh Bhullar fell to the mat, unable to find an escape from Sladky’s pounding that sent the referee out of the contest.
Talking to South China Morning Post After ONE Friday Fights 22, Chatri Sityodtong said the heavyweight unification bout didn’t go the thunderous route he was expecting, but it was still a good, fun fight.
ONE manager said:
“Hats off to both of them for putting up a good fight, despite not performing at their best levels in my opinion. I thought it was still a fun fight. It wasn’t just the level they were working at or competing at.”
Watch the interview below:
The victory made Anatoly Malykhin, also the king of the light heavyweight division, a two-time bona fide world champion. He also extended his professional mixed martial arts record to 13-0, entering the final five under the ONE Championship.
Now seeking a third world title, he has his sights set on Dutch champion Rainier de Ridder and his world middleweight title.
A replay of ONE Friday Fights 22 is available on the ONE Championship YouTube page.
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