ONE Championship heavyweight contender “Reug Reug” will be in action tomorrow after a year-long gap to face his fellow countryman, newcomer Boucher Ketchup in a heavyweight kickboxing non-title bout at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov. The fight airs in US primetime tomorrow at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

However, this matchup comes as a surprise, as “Reug Reug” was already scheduled to challenge three-division world champion Anatoly Malykhin for the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title at ONE 169: Atlanta, which takes place on November 8th.

“Reug Reug” targets message with Boucher Ketchup

With a major fight already locked in, fans are curious why Oumar Kane would take a bout before his main test against Anatoly Malykhin in November. In a recent interview with ONE Championship, the Senegalese powerhouse revealed he’s feeling fit and eager to beat someone. “My big fight for the World Title,” Kane said, “but I wanted to feel the roar of the crowd again, so this was the best option. I’m ready to hurt someone.“

Similar to Kane, Boucher Ketchup also hails from a wrestling background, the discipline where ‘Reug Reug” established himself as a ONE heavyweight MMA star. Sharing the same Senegalese heritage, their fight promises to be a spectacle for their home country, a chance for both to prove themselves on a global stage.

On this point, “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is unwavering. “He will bring the fight. There are 18 million people waiting to see if he can step up to me. They are saying it’s ‘the Buster Douglas moment’ in Africa, but I will destroy this guy the same way I destroyed Marcus [“Buchecha” Almeida].” Kane further added, continued, emphasizing his dominance, “I’m the greatest Senegalese wrestler, they are all my children.” Even more, “Reug Reug” gave his prediction for his upcoming fight.

Reug Reug’s fight prediction against Boucher Ketchup

Tomorrow at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov, “Reug Reug” will compete in a kickboxing bout, but his reputation is still on the line. Despite Boucher Ketchup’s newcomer status and their shared Senegalese heritage, Oumar Kane remains confident. He boldly predicts a quick knockout, claiming that the heavyweight kickboxing fight won’t last three minutes.

Despite acknowledging Boucher Ketchup’s size and power, Oumar Kane remains confident. “He is big and tough,” Kane said, “but you can only withstand the axe so much when you’re being chopped down. My prediction is a first-round head kick KO!” “Reug Reug”, however, isn’t fazed. Though conceding a height disadvantage, he believes his skills will shine. “My advantage is being the greatest, “ Oumar Kane declared. “I’m the greatest heavyweight in ONE history – and I’m two fights away from proving it.” 

With his sight set on future glory, Kane will first need to handle business tomorrow night. After dispatching Boucher Ketchup, he’ll turn his attention to dethroning the three-division king, Anatoly Malykhin. Who will you be rooting for in tomorrow’s fight, Boucher Ketchup or “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane? Let us know in the comments.