- George Chung
- Nov 11, 2024
- 2 min read
In a jaw-dropping turn of events at ONE 169, Oumar Kane, widely known as “Reug Reug,” delivered the performance of a lifetime, dethroning Russia’s Anatoly Malykhin to seize the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship. This victory not only secured him the prestigious title but also propelled him into the hearts of millions, especially his fellow Senegalese fans who watched history unfold.
Kane’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. From humble beginnings in Senegal to becoming a wrestling sensation, Kane’s story is one of grit, determination, and an unwavering belief in his dreams. His rise in ONE Championship has been meteoric, capturing fans' attention with his immense physical presence and impressive fighting style. And now, the world knows him as a true champion.
Moments after his monumental victory, a wave of national pride swept across Senegal. In a touching tribute, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye shared a heartfelt message on social media, celebrating Kane’s historic win. “Congratulations to Oumar Kane, aka Reug Reug, for making history by becoming the first Senegalese MMA heavyweight world champion,” he posted on X. “Through his courage, determination, and talent, he honors Senegal and inspires an entire generation. Our nation is proud of this remarkable feat.”
This triumph wasn’t handed to Kane; he had to work his way up the ranks, starting from his professional debut with ONE Championship in 2021. Kane’s fierce reputation was solidified after a grueling three-round battle with Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, where he shocked fans by taking a hard-earned victory against the BJJ powerhouse. That win put him in line for the title, and he made every second count in his ultimate showdown with Malykhin.
In the five-round war for the championship, “Reug Reug” gave everything he had, pushing Malykhin to the limit in an intense clash of styles and strategies. When the dust settled, the judges awarded Kane a split-decision victory, crowning him as the new heavyweight king of ONE Championship.
For the 32-year-old champion, this win isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a message of hope for all those chasing their dreams back in Senegal. Kane’s journey has inspired a new generation, proving that with relentless effort and unbreakable spirit, anything is possible. The recognition from Senegal’s President is the ultimate honor for Kane, placing him on a pedestal as a national hero and a source of pride for his country.
As Senegal celebrates its new champion, the world stands in awe of Oumar Kane—a man who turned his dreams into reality at ONE 169 and made history for himself and his nation.
