Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye congratulates ‘Reug Reug’ in stunning world ONE title win: “Inspires an entire generation”
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had nothing but the highest of praises for Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane following the wrestling star's historic upset win at ONE 169.
Kane dethroned Russian superstar Anatoly Malykhin of the ONE heavyweight MMA world title in the card's main event, and it was a feat Faye quickly took note of.
Faye took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to applaud the Senegalese grappling machine for the world title win and described Kane as an inspiration for the nation's youth.
He wrote:
"Congratulations to Oumar Kane, aka Reug Reug, for making history by becoming the first Senegalese MMA heavyweight world champion. Through his courage, determination, and talent, he honors Senegal and inspires an entire generation. Our nation is proud of this remarkable feat."
Kane was largely a prospect when he arrived at ONE Championship in January 2021.
He then went 5-1 in his first six MMA matches in the promotion to set up his world title challenge against Malykhin.
The 32-year-old ultimately secured gold when he beat Malykhin via split decision for the heavyweight MMA throne at ONE 169 this past weekend in Bangkok.
Malykhin, though, still holds the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight MMA world championships and remains one of the most lethal knockout machines in the sport.
Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can watch the replay of ONE 169 on demand for free.
Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane believes he will have a long rivalry with Anatoly Malykhin
Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane prophesied that he and Anatoly Malykhin won't be meeting for just one match in ONE Championship.
In an interview with Nick Atkin for Bangkok Post, Kane said his fight against Malykhin at ONE 169 won't be the last time they face each other for a piece of ONE Championship gold.
He said:
"We're gonna fight again, I'm gonna beat him two times, we'll have another fight, he's going to call me. I going to teach you, Russian!"
Kane has been adamant that he would like to challenge Malykhin for the ONE light heavyweight MMA world title if their paths once again converge.
Watch Kane's entire interview below: