Anatoly Malykhin favors “physically gifted” Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 16

Anatoly Malykhin is optimistic about Fabricio Andrade’s chances of clinching his second World Title.

Andrade, the reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion, takes on Jonathan Haggerty for the vacant divisional kickboxing crown. This bout headlines ONE Fight Night 16 on Prime Video. It airs live in U.S. primetime from the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 3.

One of the intriguing aspects of this matchup is Andrade’s transition from MMA to kickboxing. Many may view this shift as a disadvantage, but Malykhin sees it differently.

The ONE Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion firmly believes that Andrade’s striking power is unmatched, and this will play a pivotal role in the encounter.

“In my opinion, the crucial quality Fabricio has that can help him win is his commitment to fight to the end. He is also physically very strong. Haggerty has never had such a physically gifted opponent,” Malykhin said.

“I think Fabricio is much more gifted specifically with his punches, and that will be his main advantage, besides his physique. Also, his punches are powerful.”

When asked about how he envisions the clash unfolding, Malykhin paints a vivid picture. The Russian brute predicts that Andrade will be able to apply constant pressure on Haggerty en route to a knockout victory.

“I think Fabricio will pressure him, take the center of the ring, and look for the knockout. The power of putting pressure on will win. I think Fabricio will win by KO from punches,” he said.

Anatoly Malykhin expects Fabricio Andrade, Jonathan Haggerty to steal the show

While his prediction leans favorably toward Fabricio Andrade, Anatoly Malykhin is not counting out Jonathan Haggerty.

Malykhin acknowledges the current ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion’s impressive track record and experience, which no one should overlook, including Andrade.

“Clearly, no one is writing Haggerty off. He is the champion in this weight class [in Muay Thai]. Haggerty is a tough fighter with good timing and is well-trained,” Malykhin said.

With both men possessing high-level striking skills, Malykhin is confident that the fight will be one for the books.

“Two champions can’t have a boring fight. We are talking about the major leagues here, two champions are fighting, so everyone should watch this fight and not blink,” he said.