‘Reug Reug’ Heads Back to One Championship as Senegalese Wrestling Sensation Finally Ends Free Agency

Senegalese wrestling sensation ‘Reug Reug’ Oumar Kane is heading back to ONE Championship. This news comes after a brief stint of free agency. The heavyweight star was last in action at ONE Fight Night 13 in August.

There, he scored the biggest win of his career by defeating BJJ legend Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida to end the Brazilian’s undefeated streak in MMA. The startling victory earned Kane a US$50,000 performance bonus and vaulted him directly into the World Title conversation. The title is currently held by two-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin.

Bolstered by his win over Almeida, ‘Reug Reug’ set about calling Malykhin out on social media. But he would shock the world soon after by announcing he was out of contract with the world’s largest martial arts organization.

Why did Oumar Kane part ways with ONE Championship?

According to a report from The South China Morning Post, the 31-year-old was looking to follow in the footsteps of other MMA stars by transitioning to boxing.  Despite being a dominant figure in any fight, Kane’s best strength is, undeniably, his wrestling. 

Therefore, his choice to re-sign with ONE Championship and stick to mixed martial arts will likely be the better decision for him overall. With three straight wins under his belt in the promotion, he is the hottest heavyweight MMA fighter on the roster outside of Malykhin.

Moreover, he may have a legitimate case for challenging ‘Sladkiy’ for his coveted strap now that he has decided to continue plying his trade in ONE.

When will Kane get a title shot?

Kane may have to wait some time for that shot, however, as ‘Sladkiy’ is next set to challenge Reinier de Ridder for the ONE Middleweight MMA World Title in the main event of ONE 166: Qatar on March 1.

Malykhin will need to drop down two weight classes to take his chance at making history by becoming the first three-division World Champion in ONE.

But he’s made it clear that he plans to defend all straps if he is successful. Therefore, it would come as no surprise if he decided to move back to heavyweight after his bout at ONE 166: Qatar, leaving the door open for ‘Reug Reug’.

Read More – “This Fight Has Everything to Be a Great One” – Marcus Buchecha Is Beyond Thrilled to Finally Face Oumar Kane

Do you think Kane has what it takes to win the prestigious title? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.