In a night that will be remembered for both its explosive finish and chaotic aftermath, Anatoly Malykhin reclaimed the ONE heavyweight championship with a stunning fourth-round knockout of Reug Reug at ONE Friday Fights 154, held at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The victory was sweet redemption for Malykhin, who had fallen to Reug Reug (also known as Oumar Kane) via a controversial split decision in their first meeting 18 months ago. This time, there was no doubt. The Russian star landed a devastating punch that turned off Reug Reug's lights in Round 4, securing the belt and settling the score in emphatic fashion.

But the drama didn't end with the knockout. In the heat of the moment, Malykhin landed a few post-fight kicks on his fallen opponent, sparking immediate outrage from Reug Reug's corner. What followed was a brief but intense brawl between both teams inside the ring. To his credit, Malykhin attempted to calm the situation and defuse the tension as chaos erupted around him.

Adding another layer to an already unforgettable evening, Malykhin removed his gloves after the fight—a gesture that strongly hinted at retirement from active competition. Fans and pundits alike are now left wondering if this marks the end of an era for the three-division ONE champion.

The fight itself started slowly, with Reug Reug employing a puzzling strategy of backing into the corner and waiting for Malykhin to engage. The first two rounds were filled with hand fighting and little action, drawing memories of their lackluster first bout in November 2024. But Malykhin found his rhythm in Round 3, and by Round 4, he delivered the knockout that silenced all doubters.

For fans of combat sports, this was a reminder that in MMA, patience can pay off—and that sometimes, the best stories are written in the final act.