Reug Reug To Defend Heavyweight MMA Gold Against Anatoly Malykhin In Epic Rematch At The Inner Circle On May 15
These two behemoths will finally settle their intense rivalry in a highly anticipated sequel for the World Title.
ONE Championship has officially confirmed a colossal main event for The Inner Circle on Friday, May 15. Reigning ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane will defend his coveted belt against former divisional king Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin in a highly anticipated rematch. This monumental showdown will broadcast live in Asia primetime from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and fans can watch it exclusively on live.
onefc. com . View this post on Instagram The animosity between these two athletes runs incredibly deep, stemming from years of heated trash talk, physical pre-fight scuffles, and a deeply personal build-up to their initial encounter.
Their simmering rivalry finally boiled over inside the ring at ONE 169 in November 2024. Entering that bout with an unblemished record and holding unprecedented three-division MMA World Champion status, Malykhin appeared virtually invincible. However, Kane shocked the global fan base over the course of a grueling 25-minute war and made history for Senegal .
Utilizing his punishing Lutte wrestling background, powerful clinch work, and heavy hands, “Reug Reug” successfully disrupted the Russian’s forward pressure. Earning a hard-fought split-decision victory, the Senegalese behemoth handed Malykhin the first defeat of his storied career, claimed the heavyweight MMA crown, and firmly cemented his status at the pinnacle of the world’s largest martial arts organization. View this post on Instagram The blockbuster sequel was originally scheduled for ONE 173 last November, but “Reug Reug” was involved in a serious car accident in the United Arab Emirates and withdrew from the contest.