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Malykhin Regains Heavyweight Crown, Retires Undefeated

5/16/2026

48 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Malykhin Reclaims Title

Anatoly Malykhin reclaimed the Heavyweight MMA World Championship by KO-ing Oumar Kane at 1:54 of round four on May 15, 2026 in Bangkok.
He kicked the fallen Kane, prompting a brief brawl with Kane’s corner.
He removed his gloves, announced retirement, set his record at 15-1 with a 100 percent finish rate and a US$100,000 bonus.
Kade Ruotolo KO-ed Hiroyuki Tetsuka at 2:02 of round two, earning a US$50,000 bonus.

Summary

Malykhin Retires

Anatoly Malykhin announced his MMA retirement to move to Altai and tend his cows and dogs.
He thanked promoter Chatri Sityodtong for six years, noted training with Petr Yan, and said he was losing love for the sport.
His retirement leaves the heavyweight, light-heavyweight and middleweight titles vacant, prompting ONE Championship to plan new tournaments.

History

Historical Context

Randy Couture’s 2006 retirement after 15 UFC title fights and his status as the sport’s first multi-divisional champion set a precedent for vacated belts prompting tournaments, a model ONE Championship under founder Chatri Sityodtong repeats when Anatoly Malykhin announced his 2026 retirement, leaving three titles empty and triggering fresh ONE tournament cycles.

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Malykhin Reclaims Title

Anatoly Malykhin reclaimed the Heavyweight MMA World Championship by KO-ing Oumar Kane at 1:54 of round four on May 15, 2026 in Bangkok.
He kicked the fallen Kane, prompting a brief brawl with Kane’s corner.
He removed his gloves, announced retirement, set his record at 15-1 with a 100 percent finish rate and a US$100,000 bonus.
Kade Ruotolo KO-ed Hiroyuki Tetsuka at 2:02 of round two, earning a US$50,000 bonus.

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