WATCH: Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane’s heart-pounding heavyweight duel against BJJ legend Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida in Bangkok
Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane has repeatedly demonstrated his resilience in ONE Championship, thriving when the odds are stacked against him.
This was never more evident than in Aug. 2023 when he faced Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida at ONE Fight Night 13.
Check the highlights of that matchup in an Instagram clip below:
At the time, the Brazilian legend appeared to be on the cusp of a shot at the ONE heavyweight MMA world championship, riding high on a dominant four-fight winning streak.
Many assumed Kane would be another stepping stone in Almeida’s ascent to the divisional throne, but the Senegalese powerhouse had other plans.
'Reug Reug' came out firing in the opening round, landing powerful strikes as the 17-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion struggled to implement his grappling.
His relentless pressure continued throughout the contest, with thundering hooks and uppercuts keeping 'Buchecha' at bay as the latter desperately sought takedowns and submissions.
Despite Almeida’s efforts, Kane held firm, enduring the grueling three-round battle and securing a unanimous decision victory.
This monumental win positioned him as the next challenger for Anatoly Malykhin's ONE heavyweight MMA world title.
‘Reug Reug’ defied odds again in world title bout against Anatoly Malykhin
When Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane finally squared off against Anatoly Malykhin in the main event of ONE 169 this past November, he once again embraced his role as the underdog.
Undeterred by the Russian's fearsome reputation, Kane set the tone early, landing a takedown in the opening round and dominating the clinch exchanges to wear down the then-defending champion
Malykhin rallied in the third and fourth rounds, landing solid hooks and punishing body shots. However, Kane showcased his iron will and granite chin, refusing to back down.
In the final round, Kane dropped 'Sladkiy' with a left hand, forcing the Russian to clinch in a desperate attempt to recover. The two titans traded heavy blows until the final bell, leaving the judges with a razor-thin decision to make.
When the dust settled, it was “Reug Reug” who stood tall, making history as Africa’s first-ever ONE world champion.