“I don’t think it’s a terrible idea” - Kang Ji Won says ‘Reug Reug’ smart for taking tuneup fight before Anatoly Malykhin showdown

The heavyweight knockout artist Kang Ji Won has something to say about Oumar Kane, a fellow MMA star in his division who switched into a kickboxing tussle against Boucher Ketchup at ONE Fight Night 23.

Appearing at the same U.S. primetime card with 'Reug Reug' in the legendary Lumpinee Stadium on Friday, July 5, Kang is slated to go head-to-head with Belarusian giant Kirill Grishenko in an MMA action.

Kang believes that the Senegalese star had taken the correct move when shifting into kickboxing ahead of his world title challenge on November 8, where he will face ONE heavyweight MMA king Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 169: Atlanta.

​

In an interview with Sportskeeda MMA at the sidelines of ONE Fight Night 23 fight week, the South Korean said:

​

​

"If it helps him weave back into competition, you know, after some time off, I don’t think it’s a terrible idea for him to fight."

But when asked if he would follow his counterpart's move into kickboxing, Kang answered:

​

​

"Well, no. Not really. I’ve never thought of it at this point."

Check out Kang's full interview below:

---

Kang Ji Won ready to kickstart journey onto the top of heavyweight MMA division

Working on his own journey, Kang Ji Won still have some things to settle before he secures his own opportunity to grab the golden belt.

And, it starts right here at ONE Fight Night 23, where he will take on another giant from Belarusia, Kirill Grishenko, for a chance to make sure that he stays at the top ranks.

Grishenko has been on the sidelines for almost two years, and he's determined to make a strong statement in his return to the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

​

The biggest question would be whether Kang is able to bag his fifth win for a chance to enter the title bout, or will Grishenko end his losing skid to jumpstart his journey back into the top?

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch ONE Fight Night 23 live and free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

​