‘My Family Is Everything’ – Anatoly Malykhin Finds His Peace Ahead Of World Title Rematch With Reug Reug

Malykhin has never shied away from wearing his heart on his sleeve, especially when it comes to fatherhood.

After experiencing a highly publicized setback, many professional athletes tend to place immense pressure on themselves to be a flawless role model. “Sladkiy,” however, takes a much more grounded, authentic approach to raising his son and setting an example.

The 38-year-old said:

“I just live my life. I don’t try to be some special coach or a superhero for my son.

“I’m just his dad, someone who loves him and tries to live the right way. He watches everything and learns from that. I don’t need to do anything extra. I’m just happy to be his father. And for me, that means more than anything else.”

Malykhin’s extended break from high-pressure training camps allowed him to fully immerse himself in life outside of the ring.

While other fighters may have quickly returned to the gym, “Sladkiy” found solace in slowing things down and shifting his focus elsewhere.

Rather than agonizing over the loss to “Reug Reug,” the Russian behemoth poured his limitless energy into building his family’s future and finding absolute peace in the natural world.

He revealed:

“We have a lot of projects going on. My wife is developing our bathhouse business, and I really enjoy riding my bike through the Altai [Mountains]. It gives me a lot of freedom and energy. But honestly, my biggest passion is my son. I love spending time with him, riding together, playing, and just being present.

“In general, my main focus and my hobby is my family. We spend a lot of time together, we grow together. As for everything else, we’re building our life, our bathhouse [business], our homes, and most importantly, we just love each other.”

Laser-Focused On Reclaiming The Heavyweight MMA Throne

His family’s unshakable foundation of love and support has produced a highly dangerous, laser-focused version of Anatoly Malykhin.

The decorated veteran is no longer fighting with the heavy burden of a flawless, undefeated record weighing on his broad shoulders. He is returning to The Inner Circle as a hungry challenger with a very specific target locked in his sights.

Despite the judges’ scorecards in his first battle with “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane, Malykhin remains utterly convinced that he is the rightful king of the heavyweight MMA division. As he prepares to step back into the fray to avenge his lone career blemish and make history once again, he leaves the grand debates about his legacy to the fans.

He said:

“I don’t see that fight as a real loss. I just want to take back my belt. It was given to him by mistake, and he’s only been holding it temporarily. As for my place in history, I’ll let the people decide.”

On May 15, the combat sports world will discover exactly what a recharged and refocused Anatoly Malykhin is capable of when the talking stops and the opening bell rings.

Driven by the unbreakable bond he shares with his loved ones, the Russian behemoth is completely confident he will leave Lumpinee Stadium with that coveted 26 pounds of gold firmly back around his waist.

And he plans to do it with his family right by his side to celebrate the crowning moment.

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