“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane speaks on homecoming parade: “It is a victory for Senegal” 

ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane was welcomed back to Senegal with arms wide open this past week.  

The newly minted heavyweight king outworked Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 169 on Friday, November 8, shocking the world inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium by taking the Russian’s belt. 

By winning the gold, Kane also served Malykhin the first defeat of his professional career. Nobody has been able to stand in front of him and shake off the firepower the way Kane did. And that played a big part in his victory.

So, when he returned to his homeland this past week, Kane was met by thousands of his compatriots to celebrate the monumental victory.  

He was greeted by fans, dancers, and prominent figures at Blaise Diagne International Airport. One of those included Senegal’s Minister of Sports, Mr. Chiekh Fall. 

Before ONE 169, Kane vowed to bring the gold back to his people, and he made good on his word. So as much as the victory was a humongous personal feat, “Reug Reug” insists the win is more for his compatriots than anyone else. 

“I am very happy for all the Senegalese people. It is a victory for Senegal. I am very happy for my team. I can’t thank them enough for their support,” he said. 

“It is a victory for Senegal. I went to fight for Senegal. It was not easy, but God gave us the victory. We are very grateful to God.” 

“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane open to rematch with Anatoly Malykhin in 2025

“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is going to have a blockbuster 2025. The Senegalese standout did the unthinkable when he took the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title from Anatoly Malykhin. And that leaves big questions for the coming year. 

Malykhin has already stressed his desire to rematch Kane as early as next March, but the ball is in “Reug Reug’s” hands for now.  

Many fans believe the rematch would be the best course of business for the duo to follow. Should Malykhin earn back the gold, he’ll show everyone that November’s loss was a bump in the road. However, if Kane defeats Malykhin again, he will have instilled himself as the true king.