ONE heavyweight MMA contender “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane returned to the promotion last week and extended his winning streak to four. He defeated Boucher Ketchup in a heavyweight kickboxing fight at ONE Fight Night 23, held in Bangkok. This victory will undoubtedly serve as a motivational boost for his highly anticipated title fight against three-division ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 169: Atlanta.

The fight is scheduled for November 8 inside the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, where Malykhin will defend his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship. Even before the announcement, both fighters were engaged in a heated social media war.

In a recent interview with a reputable media outlet, “Reug Reug” boldly claimed that he also has his sights set on Malykhin’s light heavyweight strap. During the interview, he declared the heavyweight belt as his own. “It’s my belt. You know I’m going to win this fight, inshallah. I’m going to put down 100k, going to win again. Yes,” the 32-year-old stated.

When the host inquired if he desired Malykhin’s other belt, Kane replied, “Yes of course. light heavyweight, yes.” Then, with a touch of humor, Reug Reug responded to the question about the middleweight belt, saying, “No, middle. No need for middleweight, you know. Only two belts, yes.”

However, Anatoly Malykhin’s history suggests he won’t be an easy challenge. The Russian’s raw power has allowed him to dismantle most opponents within three rounds, and he expects the same against “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane at ONE 169: Atlanta. This confidence was evident in a recent interview where he offered some advice to his opponent.

Anatoly Malykhin on Oumar Kane ahead of their clash

Alongside his powerful punches, three-weight ONE MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is known for his sharp jabs and trash talk, using them as mental warfare against his opponents. Ahead of their upcoming fight on American soil, Malykhin aimed to expose Oumar Kane’s weakness in a recent interview. “He’s slow, can’t time punches for the life of him, and his cardio sucks. Three rounds and he’s gassed, and this is a five-rounder?” Malykhin pointed.

“Reug Reug’ usually falls apart after the first anyway – hands drop, starts grabbing at the opponent’s shorts or gloves. Kind of a dirty fighter, really. No real threat, though,” he further added.

While these were not on display in Kane’s short performance last weekend, it may not matter for the Russian powerhouse as he prepares for the battle in September. This upcoming fight at ONE 169: Atlanta will see Anatoly Malykhin face arguably the toughest opponent of his career. It won’t be an easy fight for either man.

Who will you be rooting for, “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane or Anatoly Malykhin? Let us know in the comments!