Jeremy Miado’s successful flyweight debut marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Overcoming adversity, finding strength in mentorship, and making strategic changes have propelled him back into the spotlight
Anatoly Malykhin’s journey serves as a powerful lesson in humility and perseverance. His words, “Don’t let it go to your head,” encapsulate the essence of long-term success.
Staying grounded, working hard, learning from setbacks, and respecting those around you are principles that apply not only in MMA but in all aspects of life.
By embodying these values, Malykhin continues to inspire both athletes and non-athletes alike, proving that true greatness is achieved not by arrogance, but by remaining humble and dedicated to one’s craft.
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Table of Contents
Jeremy Miado’s Triumphant Flyweight Debut
Overcoming Adversity: Miado’s Move to Flyweight
Last weekend’s ONE Fight Night 28 witnessed a remarkable comeback story as Filipino fighter Jeremy ‘The Jaguar‘ Miado made his successful flyweight debut against Japanese-American Gilbert Nakatani.1
The bout showcased Miado’s resilience, determination, and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
For Miado, this was more than just another fight—it was a moment of redemption. After enduring a devastating four-loss streak in the bantamweight division from 2023 to 2024, he faced immense pressure to turn things around.
The move to flyweight proved to be a strategic decision that allowed him to rediscover his strengths and regain confidence inside the cage.
The Road to Redemption: Learning from Defeats
Miado’s struggles in the bantamweight division were challenging, both physically and mentally. One of his most painful losses came against ‘Pocket Monk‘ Keito Yamakita, where he suffered a first-round submission defeat.
This bout highlighted the gaps in his game and forced him to reevaluate his approach to competition.
Losses are often the best teachers in combat sports, and for Miado, they served as a wake-up call. He needed to make drastic changes to his training, mindset, and fighting strategy.
Instead of letting the setbacks define him, Miado used them as fuel to work harder and prove himself in a new weight class.
Finding Inspiration in Anatoly Malykhin’s Words
During his lowest moments, Miado found an unexpected mentor in three-division ONE MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin.
The Russian powerhouse, known for his dominance inside the cage, took time to offer Miado words of encouragement and support.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Miado expressed his deep gratitude, saying:
“I’m very thankful. He’s a good role model as an athlete, as a champion. He was a three-division world champion, but he’s very humble.
I like him very much, and I’m thankful to have him comfort me. And these are ONE Championship fighters. We respect everybody. So we show people that we are good role models.”
Malykhin’s humility and sportsmanship resonated with Miado, reinforcing the values of perseverance and respect that define martial arts. This support played a crucial role in his journey back to success.
Jeremy Miado: The Fight Night Performance
A Statement Victory
Stepping into the cage against Gilbert Nakatani, Miado knew he had a point to prove.2
From the opening bell, he displayed a calculated approach, mixing his striking with well-timed takedown defense.
Nakatani, a formidable opponent with a strong grappling background, attempted to impose his will, but Miado’s preparation paid off.
The defining moment of the fight came in the second round when Miado landed a perfectly timed counterstrike that rocked Nakatani.
Seizing the opportunity, he unleashed a flurry of strikes, forcing the referee to step in and call the fight. With this victory, Miado sent a clear message—he was back and better than ever.
Mental Resilience: The Key to Miado’s Comeback
One of the most significant aspects of Miado’s resurgence has been his mental toughness. In combat sports, self-doubt can be a fighter’s worst enemy.
The pressure of losing streaks, criticism from fans, and the weight of expectations can break even the strongest athletes. However, Miado chose to rise above it all.
By surrounding himself with a supportive team, embracing a growth mindset, and drawing inspiration from mentors like Malykhin, he was able to rebuild his confidence.
This mental shift was evident in his recent performance, where he fought with composure and clarity.
With a triumphant debut in the flyweight division, the future looks bright for Jeremy Miado. His victory over Nakatani positions him as a serious contender, and fans are eager to see how he fares against the division’s top fighters.
Jeremy Miado’s Journey
Miado’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the power of mentorship in sports.3
His willingness to embrace change, learn from failures, and seek guidance from experienced champions sets an example for aspiring fighters worldwide.
For fans and fellow athletes, his journey serves as a reminder that setbacks are temporary, but the will to rise again defines true champions.
Potential matchups against established names in the division could serve as the ultimate test of Miado’s skills.
Whether it’s facing a veteran grappler or a fellow striker, his adaptability will be key in his quest for championship gold.
Embracing the Flyweight Division
The decision to move to flyweight was not an easy one, but it was necessary. Miado recognized that his natural attributes—speed, agility, and endurance—would be better suited for this division.
Training camp became a rigorous process of fine-tuning his technique, improving his conditioning, and ensuring that he could perform at an elite level in his new weight class.
The results were evident in his fight against Nakatani. Miado showcased sharper striking, improved grappling defense, and a renewed sense of confidence.
His movements were more fluid, and his ability to control the pace of the fight demonstrated that he had fully embraced the transition.
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Jeremy Miado: Learning from the Legends
Malykhin draws inspiration from legendary figures such as Buvaisar Satiev, a three-time Olympic champion in wrestling.
Satiev’s philosophy resonates deeply with Malykhin, who recalls a vital lesson from him:
“Don’t be down in the dumps if you lose, and if you win, don’t let it go to your head. Stick to the people who have always been there for you.”
This belief has shaped Malykhin’s career, ensuring that his success does not blind him to the values of loyalty, perseverance, and gratitude.
In the highly competitive world of MMA, where confidence can sometimes turn into arrogance, Malykhin remains a beacon of humility.
He understands that the fight game is unpredictable, and even the best athletes experience setbacks. By staying humble, he not only earns the respect of his peers but also ensures that he remains mentally strong in both victory and defeat.
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Staying Grounded Amidst Fame and Fortune
Success in any field, especially in professional sports, often brings wealth and fame. However, Malykhin believes that allowing success to inflate one’s ego can be dangerous. Many fighters have lost their way after reaching the top, letting their achievements cloud their judgment.
Malykhin, however, remains focused on his goals, never allowing himself to get carried away. He attributes this to his strong support system—his family, coaches, and friends who keep him accountable and remind him of his roots.
A firm believer in the value of hard work, Malykhin emphasizes that success comes from consistent effort rather than talent alone. He often speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
In his view, those who rely solely on natural ability without putting in the effort eventually fall behind.
“Mindset makes the champion,” Malykhin says, reinforcing the idea that mental strength is just as crucial as physical prowess. Fighters who stay hungry and motivated, regardless of their achievements, are the ones who sustain long-term success.
Jeremy Miado: Respecting Opponents
A Sign of True Sportsmanship
Another way Malykhin demonstrates humility is through his respect for opponents.
While trash talk is common in combat sports, he prefers to let his actions speak louder than words.
He acknowledges the hard work and dedication of his rivals, understanding that every fighter has their own journey and struggles.
This level of respect not only strengthens the MMA community but also sets an example for younger fighters on how to carry themselves with dignity.
Confidence is essential for any fighter stepping into the cage. However, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance.
The Balance Between Confidence and Arrogance
Malykhin maintains a healthy balance, believing in his abilities without underestimating his opponents or overestimating himself.
This mindset prevents complacency and keeps him striving for continuous improvement. He trains as if he is still chasing greatness, never allowing himself to become too comfortable.
Malykhin also believes in using his platform for good. True greatness, in his eyes, is not just about personal achievements but also about inspiring and helping others.
Whether mentoring young fighters or engaging in community initiatives, he strives to make a positive impact beyond the sport.
For him, staying humble also means recognizing that success is not solely about personal gain but about contributing to the greater good.
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