ONE Middleweight and Gentle Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin’s subsequent combat is in opposition to “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane at ONE 173 on November 26, however he’s mentoring the subsequent era of Russian fighters, together with undefeated rising star Ibragim Dauev. The 24-year-old will face fellow unbeaten high contender Akbar Abdullaev in a featherweight MMA bout at ONE Combat Evening 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Friday, September 5, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Ibragim Dauev Eyes Assertion Victory Over Excellent Abdullaev
The stakes couldn’t be larger as Ibragim Dauev squares off in opposition to the division’s No. 1-ranked contender, who brings a flawless 12-0 skilled file and one hundred pc ending fee into the competition. The Kyrgyzstani phenom defeated present titleholder Tang Kai in January however was ineligible to win the belt on account of lacking weight, making this forthcoming conflict a vital proving floor for each fighters.
Ibragim Dauev enters driving a 10-fight successful streak, together with current 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 in opposition to 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 steering 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 an amazing individual: a dependable good friend, a loyal household man, and an distinctive athlete to observe,” Dauev revealed.
The connection facilitated by Malykhin opened doorways that remodeled Ibragim Dauev’s profession trajectory, main him from regional competitors to the worldwide stage.
Brotherhood Past Preventing 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 inspiration of their connection.
“His mentorship has influenced me in all the things, each out and in of the ring. Proper now, I believe our relationship is sort of a brotherhood – we’re not simply pals, 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 every day publicity to elite-level preparation and mindset has elevated his perception in reaching related success.
“It’s at all times a pleasure to coach facet by facet with a World Champion – you are feeling which you could grow to be a champion your self sooner or later if you happen to work simply as arduous. He’s going to have three belts – it’s going to occur,” Dauev predicted confidently.
ONE Combat Evening 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.
