“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane stands atop the heavyweight world as ONE Championship’s new king. At ONE 169, Kane edged Anatoly Malykhin via split decision to become the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion after five hard rounds. The victory has inspired his home nation of Senegal.
The colossal title tilt was razor-thin as both men exchanged heavy shots across the full 25 minutes. “Reug Reug” started strong and had a massive takedown in the first round to show off his wrestling prowess. Ultimately, Kane got the edge on the scorecards and became the champ.
THERE IS A NEW KING IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION 😲
“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane gives Anatoly Malykhin his FIRST career loss to become the @ONEChampionship Heavyweight MMA World Champion‼️ pic.twitter.com/bGEMP3iEVZ
— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) November 9, 2024
After he got his hand raised, congratulations rolled in for the heavyweight phenom. However, none were bigger than the country’s President. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye took to social media to sing the praises of the country’s first-ever MMA World Champion.
“Congratulations to Oumar Kane, aka Reug Reug, for making history by becoming the first Senegalese MMA heavyweight world champion. Through his courage, determination and talent, he honors Senegal and inspires an entire generation. Our nation is proud of this remarkable feat,” Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said on X.
Félicitations à Oumar Kane, alias Reug Reug, pour avoir marqué l'histoire en devenant le premier Sénégalais champion du monde des poids lourds en MMA.
Par son courage, sa détermination et son talent, il honore le Sénégal et inspire toute une génération. Notre nation est fière… pic.twitter.com/l4BcFfu3R6
— Bassirou Diomaye Faye (@PR_Diomaye) November 9, 2024
The win was a historic moment for Senegalese athletes, who now can look up to “Reug Reug” for how far they can go. But the road gets even more demanding as Kane wears the bullseye on his chest. Now, atop the heavyweight mountain, he will have every heavyweight climbing for their shot as he defends his throne.
Fans can relive every moment of Kane’s epic championship win on demand. ONE 169 is available on demand via Prime Video. The event is available to all U.S. and Canadian Amazon Prime subscribers.
