‘We’re Not Just Friends, But Family’ – Ibragim Dauev Opens Up On Brotherhood With Anatoly Malykhin

Russian standout Ibragim Dauev’s road to stardom in ONE Championship could have unfolded very differently had it not been for two-division MMA World Champion Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin.

The 24-year-old will carry with him the wisdom and guidance of his mentor and friend when he returns to action against undefeated Akbar “Bakal” Abdullaev in featherweight MMA action at ONE Fight Night 35: Buntan vs. Hemetsberger on Prime Video on Friday, September 5.

Dauev’s first exchange with the ONE Light Heavyweight and Middleweight MMA World Champion began when he was contemplating a move to Thailand in search of better career opportunities.

With no connections there, the Chechen fighter contacted “Sladkiy” for some advice. Right away, he was greeted by an athlete who understood the challenges of being far from home to pursue greatness.

He recalled:

“I first reached out to Anatoly, asking for help with my fight. He responded immediately and suggested I contact Anita. He advised me. Together, they helped me get a fight in ONE Championship.”

With an opportunity to debut in the world’s largest martial arts organization locked in, the featherweight MMA standout packed his suitcase and jetted off to Thailand, swapping the snowy mountains of Chechnya for a chance to train alongside the Russian superstar.

As soon as he arrived, Dauev was greeted by the five-foot-ten heavyweight at the airport. The 37-year-old Malykhin even sorted out his accommodation, showed him around the city, and took him out for dinner.

The gesture of hospitality from “Sladkiy” immediately demonstrated the person he was beyond his fearsome reputation inside the Circle:

“He’s a great person: a reliable friend, a devoted family man, and an exceptional athlete to follow.”

What began as a simple request for help soon evolved into a bond that shaped the Fight Club Akhmat and One Chance representative’s career perspective.

Malykhin’s influence on Dauev extends into every aspect of the young warrior’s development, providing guidance that shapes both his attitude towards competition and his character as a human being.

For the 24-year-old, this comprehensive approach has proven invaluable as he seeks to extend his perfect promotional campaign to 4-0 in his next outing:

“As a mentor, he’s really great – he always tells you what to do. His mentorship has influenced me in everything, both in and out of the ring. In the ring, he toughened my character, and outside the ring, he showed me that the most important thing is to be human.

“Right now, I think our relationship is like a brotherhood – we’re not just friends, but family. I respect him as my older brother, and he reciprocates my respect.”

Dauev Inspired By Malykhin’s World Title Accomplishments

With the chance to share the mats alongside his Russian compatriot over the past year, Ibragim Dauev knows success on the biggest platform of martial arts will require him to push himself beyond his limits.

That being said, Malykhin’s hunger in training is second to none, and “Sladkiy” brings the same fire with him in every session. This same drive, which inspires Dauev, powered Malykhin to becoming MMA’s first-ever three-division World Champion last year.

Their bond serves as a constant reminder that dreams can become reality. Of course, with the right dedication, discipline, and focus.

Dauev told onefc.com:

“It’s always a pleasure to train side by side with a World Champion – you feel that you can become a champion yourself one day if you work just as hard.”

Looking to the future, Dauev’s ambitions mirror those of his mentor’s, with ONE’s coveted 26-pound golden belt serving as the ultimate goal.

His confidence in both his own potential and Malykhin’s continued success reflects the unshakable belief that their brotherhood has instilled.

When the young Russian is done with Abdullaev at ONE Fight Night 35, he hopes to repay the favor and assist Malykhin on his road to reclaiming the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship in his rematch against reigning divisional king “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane at ONE 173 in Tokyo, Japan, on November 16.

The Fight Club Akhmat and One Chance representative shared:

“He’s going to have three belts – it’s going to happen. And I want to become a champion like him. If he could do it, then I can do it – I know it’s just a matter of time.”

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