“Champions from the Motherland” - MMA superstar Francis Ngannou lauds Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane’s world title win in Dubai
'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane made history by becoming the first ONE Championship world champion from Africa. One of those who celebrated his victory was fellow African fighter, Francis Ngannou.
Kane added his name to the list of ONE world champions by defeating erstwhile heavyweight MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin of Russia by split decision in their headlining contest at ONE 169 on Nov. 8 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
MMA superstar Ngannou of Cameroon praised 'Reug Reug' for his triumph, and shared a photo of them together in a meet-up with other top African fighters in Dubai on his Instagram account. He captioned the post with:
"Last night, Dubai was filled with CHAMPIONS from the motherland, Africa!"
Check out his post below:
In his showdown with Malykhin, 'Reug Reug' banked on a strong start that saw him taking 'Sladkiy' down and inflicting some damage to the Russian powerhouse. Malykhin regained his footing and controlled the match in the later rounds, but it narrowly fell short, with the judges scoring the match in favor of the new champion by split decision.
The defeat was the first in Malykhin's pro career after going 14-0, with the last six of those wins coming under the ONE Championship banner. It also ended his reign as heavyweight world champion after just one title defense.
He, however, remained a double ONE world champion as he also holds the promotion's middleweight and light heavyweight world titles. The full replay of ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug is available on demand to Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.
'Buchecha' open to have rematch with new heavyweight king 'Reug Reug'
After winning the ONE heavyweight MMA world title, 'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane got the attention of those who want a shot at him and his championship belt. Among them is BJJ legend Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida, who he defeated in August last year in a virtual title eliminator.
The Brazilian star made this known after his own victory at ONE 169 on Nov. 8, telling Bangkok Post's Nick Atkin in a post-fight interview:
"Of course, if I had the opportunity for a rematch, I would do it."
'Buchecha' took 'Reug Reug' to the limit in their first encounter but lost by decision. He bounced back at ONE 169 with a first-round victory over Iranian Amir Aliakbari by submission (rear-naked choke), which earned him a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.