ONE Championship returns to Tokyo with two major title tilts for ONE 173. Although the November 16 date appears far off in the distance, it will arrive sooner than expected. “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is already sending a stern message to Anatoly Malykhin ahead of their ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title rematch.
“Everybody said Anatoly is good. He is very good. He has striking. His boxing is very good. But I am Oumar, you know? Oumar is number one. He hit me some, but I have African power. He hit me, and I felt nothing. In my mind, I said, ‘Yo, keep going,’” Oumar Kane said to ONE.
Oumar Kane Narrowly Bested Malykhin in ONE 169
The first meeting between the two titans went down at ONE 169, with “Reug Reug” barely edging the Russian to claim the gold by split decision. Both men slung heavy leather but attempted to implement their wrestling against the other as well. While Oumar Kane knows he has his Senegalese wrestling to fall back on, he is trying to showcase his evolution each time out.
“Every fight, I’m going to do something new. I’m always a new and improved fighter every fight. I’ve been training MMA for four years only. So that’s why I’m improving every time. I’m unlocking a new skill every time,” the heavyweight king stated.
Oumar Kane Wants to Leave No Doubt as to Outcome in ONE 173
Brimming with confidence, Oumar Kane is adamant the rematch will have a definitive end. While he did not predict a precise round or method, “Reug Reug” let it be known it would not make it into the championship rounds. If the words of the reigning ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion are taken to heart, Japanese fans will get an explosive finish at ONE 173.
“When I fight Anatoly again, it’s not going to last more than three rounds. I’m telling you. Three rounds is as far as it goes. It could be over in two rounds with a finish, and three rounds is the most. Third round will be the last round, I’m telling you,” Kane offered.
After losing his title to Oumar Kane, Malykhin will undoubtedly enter the rematch with renewed vigor. While the last match was contested inside a ring, the rematch will take place in the ONE Circle. No matter the change of venue or his opponent’s revitalized game plan, “Reug Reug” promises to be ready.
“This is a fight, you know? It’s normal. I’m ready for everything Anatoly will bring. I know he’s gonna come for me, he’s going to push me, he’s gonna talk rubbish. I know all that,” the Senegalese star said.
Oumar Kane and Anatoly Malykhin Admire One Another
Although the two are rivals inside the ring or cage, there is an immense amount of respect between the two behemoths. Oumar Kane shared what Malykhin said to him after their first meeting. Still, when the bell rings on November 16, that respect will have to be put aside until after one man gets his hand raised and given 26 pounds of gold.
“I respect everybody after the fight is finished. I respect everybody from my first fight to my last fight. This is the fight game. After the fight is finished, we are fine. We haven’t talked to each other since the fight. After the fight was finished, I went to the hotel and he said, ‘African power. You have power. It’s your time,’” Oumar Kane said.
ONE 173 airs live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The event takes place on Sunday, November 16. Tickets are available now.
