"I have to destroy this guy" - 'Reug Reug' says annihilating Boucher Ketchup will give him momentum for Anatoly Malykhin fight
'Reug Reug' Oumar Kane is penciled for the biggest fight of his career in November, where he'll challenge heavyweight MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 169: Atlanta.
However, he couldn't resist performing on the global stage before his big match and will make a quick detour to heavyweight kickboxing against fellow Senegalese fighter Boucher Ketchup at ONE Fight Night 23.
'Reug Reug', who won his last three fights in impressive fashion, believes another victory should give him enough momentum against the three-division MMA conqueror.
The 971 MMA and Black Panther Sports product told ONE in an exclusive interview:
"My big fight is for the world title, but I wanted to hear the roar of the crowd, so this was the best option. I have to destroy this guy."
Raised in the style of 'mbapatte', or Senegalese wrestling, 'Reug Reug's elite grappling pedigree is no doubt his biggest strength.
Then again, the 32-year-old has made significant strides with his striking over the years.
His evolution was in full display in his last bout against Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida, as he neutralized the BJJ icon's ground game with clubbing punches on the feet along with some terrifying ground and pound.
We're all curious to see how far 'Reug Reug's striking has truly come, and we'll witness it in less than 24 hours under kickboxing rules.
'Reug Reug' vows to put Boucher Ketchup to sleep
Oumar Kane is never short on confidence, and he's eager to prove that Boucher Ketchup has no business sharing the Lumpinee Stadium ring with him.
In the same interview, 'Reug Reug' gave a bold prediction on how his showdown with Ketchup will end:
"He is big and tough, but you can only withstand the axe so much when you're being chopped down. My prediction is a first-round head kick KO!"
Prime Video subscribers in North America can witness ONE Fight Night 23 for free, as it airs live in US Primetime on July 5.