Chatri Sityodtong claims ONE heavyweight champion Anatoly Malykhin would “smash” Francis Ngannou in MMA: “The greatest Heavyweight on the planet”

ONE Championship boss Chatri Sityodtong believes Anatoly Malykhin would defeated Francis Ngannou in an MMA fight.

Last weekend, Anatoly Malykhin made history. He finished Reinier de Ridder at ONE 166, earning himself a third world title in the promotion. In the eyes of many, Malykhin is easily one of the best heavyweights on the planet.

Of course, there are a couple of fighters who can make such a claim. One of them is Francis Ngannou, who looks set to return to MMA action for PFL later this year.

RELATED: Reinier de Ridder, Anatoly Malykhin in pursuit of contrasting rewards at ONE 166: Qatar

In the eyes of Chatri Sityodtong, Malykhin is more than capable of defeating Ngannou in a relatively easy fashion.

Chatri backs Malykhin

“There’s no question Anatoly is the greatest Heavyweight on the planet, full stop,” Sityodtong said in the ONE 166 post-fight press conference. “Put aside different organizations and marketing. He has a 100 percent finish rate, one-punch KO power, he would take Francis Ngannou down and smash him. He’s an elite wrestler.”

“Anatoly can fight anybody. There’s no question in my mind,” Sityodtong said. “If you look at his achievements, to win in three different weight divisions, 25 kilos difference, it’s superhuman to see what he did and it speaks volumes to his talent, skills, and championship heart.”

Quotes via Sportskeeda

Regardless of whether or not you agree, this is the kind of fight that would be fascinating for ‘The Predator’ to take on if he’d be interested in such an opportunity. For now, though, his focus is on Anthony Joshua this Friday.

Do you believe Anatoly Malykhin would be able to defeat Francis Ngannou? Are you of the belief that Malykhin is one of the best heavyweights on the planet, or does he still have a lot left to prove? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!