ONE Middleweight and Mild Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin’s subsequent combat is towards “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane at ONE 173 on November 26, however he’s mentoring the following technology of Russian fighters, together with undefeated rising star Ibragim Dauev. The 24-year-old will face fellow unbeaten prime contender Akbar Abdullaev in a featherweight MMA bout at ONE Combat Night time 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Friday, September 5, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ibragim Dauev Eyes Assertion Victory Over Good Abdullaev
The stakes couldn’t be increased as Ibragim Dauev squares off towards the division’s No. 1-ranked contender, who brings a flawless 12-0 skilled document and 100% ending price into the competition. The Kyrgyzstani phenom defeated present titleholder Tang Kai in January however was ineligible to win the belt attributable to lacking weight, making this forthcoming conflict a vital proving floor for each fighters.
Ibragim Dauev enters using a 10-fight profitable streak, together with latest choice victories over beforehand undefeated opponents Magomed Akaev and Pedro Dantas. The Russian has made a behavior of handing world-class athletes their first profession losses and appears to finish the trifecta towards Abdullaev whereas doubtlessly incomes a ONE Featherweight MMA World Title shot.
Malykhin’s Steering Opened Doorways For Dauev to ONE
The mentorship between two-division MMA World Champion Malykhin and Dauev started when the youthful fighter sought steerage for his profession development. Malykhin’s quick response and willingness to assist proved instrumental in securing his protege’s alternative with ONE Championship.
“I first reached out to Anatoly, asking for assist with my combat. He responded instantly and recommended I contact Anita. He suggested me. Collectively, they helped me get a combat in ONE Championship. He’s a fantastic particular person: a dependable buddy, a loyal household man, and an distinctive athlete to comply with,” Dauev revealed.
The connection facilitated by Malykhin opened doorways that reworked Ibragim Dauev’s profession trajectory, main him from regional competitors to the worldwide stage.
Brotherhood Past Combating Defines Their Relationship
The connection between mentor and protege has advanced into one thing deeper than typical coaching partnerships. Dauev, who’s 11-1 in his MMA profession, describes their bond as family-oriented, with mutual respect forming the muse of their connection.
“His mentorship has influenced me in every little thing, each out and in of the ring. Proper now, I feel our relationship is sort of a brotherhood – we’re not simply mates, however household. I respect him as my older brother, and he reciprocates my respect,” Dauev defined.
Coaching with Champions Breeds Championship Mentality
Working alongside Malykhin has supplied invaluable inspiration for Ibragim Dauev’s personal championship aspirations. The day by day publicity to elite-level preparation and mindset has elevated his perception in reaching comparable success.
“It’s all the time a pleasure to coach aspect by aspect with a World Champion – you are feeling you can develop into a champion your self in the future for those who work simply as onerous. He’s going to have three belts – it’s going to occur,” Dauev predicted confidently.
ONE Combat Night time 35 airs dwell on Prime Video on Friday, September 5. The motion begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The occasion is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers within the U.S. and Canada.