Two of MMA's most electrifying heavyweights are set to reignite their rivalry in a showdown that promises fireworks. On May 15, reigning ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane puts his belt on the line against two-division MMA World Champion Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin in a highly anticipated rematch at The Inner Circle. The action unfolds live from the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, streaming exclusively on live.onefc.com.
Their first clash at ONE 169 in November 2024 was nothing short of legendary. Kane stunned the combat sports world, edging Malykhin in a razor-close five-round war to become Senegal's first-ever ONE World Champion. The call for a sequel was immediate, but a serious car accident sidelined "Reug Reug," delaying the inevitable collision. Now, fully recovered, Kane steps into his first title defense with his eyes set on building an undeniable legacy. Meanwhile, Malykhin arrives with a burning desire to reclaim three-division MMA supremacy and erase the sole blemish from his otherwise spotless record.
Destiny has reunited these larger-than-life warriors, and here's what each must do to walk away with 26 pounds of gold.
For Reug Reug: Unleash the Power
When Kane burst onto the global stage, he brought a wrestling pedigree forged in the ancient art of Senegalese lutte, paired with raw, unmistakable power. Relentless training has since transformed him into a well-rounded martial artist. The balance and rotational force honed on the pit sands of Dakar translate seamlessly into his striking. In their first meeting, "Reug Reug" surprised Malykhin with a piercing jab that served as both a range-finder and a gateway to takedowns. Standing at 6 feet and 260 pounds, Kane generates exceptional leverage—one clean connection can floor anyone in the division. After suffering his first career loss, "Sladkiy" will come with aggressive adjustments, but every combination he throws steps him into dangerous territory. One explosive burst from the Senegalese warrior could settle the debate for good.
For Malykhin: Defend the Takedown and Dictate the Pace
Through six fights in ONE Championship, Malykhin had never once been taken down—until he met Kane. The champion's wrestling proved to be the great equalizer, forcing the Russian powerhouse to fight off his back for the first time in his career. For Malykhin to reclaim glory, he must stuff those takedowns early and keep the fight standing, where his devastating knockout power can shine. If he can establish his jab and pressure Kane against the cage, he'll force the champion into unfamiliar territory. The key for "Sladkiy" is to dictate the tempo, avoid the clinch battles that favor Kane, and land that fight-ending shot before the bout goes deep into championship rounds.
With both warriors hungry for victory and a world title on the line, this rematch has all the makings of an instant classic. Will Kane prove his first win was no fluke, or will Malykhin reclaim his throne? Mark your calendars for May 15.