Senegalese fighter Oumar Kane, known as ‘Reug Reug’, lost his ONE Championship heavyweight world title to Russian Anatoly Malykhin on Friday 15 May 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the rematch, the Russian fighter took his revenge by pulling off a knockout, bringing to an end the Senegalese champion’s reign in the premier weight class of the Asian MMA circuit.
Aged 33, Oumar Kane had established himself in recent years as one of Africa’s most formidable fighters in the international MMA following a career which began in Senegalese wrestling.
A native of Thiaroye-sur-Mer, on the outskirts of Dakar, Reug Reug had also seen this rematch postponed following a car accident in the United Arab Emirates.
His opponent, Anatoly Malykhin, a former champion undefeated prior to their first bout, had another chance to reclaim his world title.
The Russian is known for his aggressive style and his ability to finish fights quickly.
The Senegalese fighter had won the ONE Championship heavyweight world title following a split-decision victory over Anatoly Malykhin in 2024.
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