Malykhin has issued the warning. Reug Reug has accepted the challenge. Now, it’s just a matter of time before words give way to fists, and intentions become actions inside the circle
ONE 173 won’t just be a title defense or a title reclamation—it will be a war for legacy, pride, and supremacy.
And as Malykhin put it so bluntly: Reug Reug better enjoy his reign while it lasts. Because when the cage door shuts, there will be no more words—only violence.
As November 16 inches closer, the stakes continue to rise. Reug Reug vs. Malykhin II isn’t just another title fight—it’s a dramatic sequel to one of the most surprising upsets in MMA’s recent history.
With pride, power, and gold on the line, fans can expect a war for the ages.
When that cage door closes in Tokyo, two titans will collide, and the world will be watching to see which warrior walks out as the undisputed king of the heavyweights. Don’t blink—history is about to be made.
Also Read: Jeremy Miado Praises Anatoly Malykhin for Comforting Him in Defeat
Table of Contents
Anatoly Malykhin: The Heavyweight Collision Course
Reug Reug vs. Malykhin II Set for ONE 173
The world of MMA is bracing for an epic clash as two of the sport’s most physically imposing athletes, ‘Reug Reug’ Oumar Kane and Anatoly Malykhin, prepare to run it back in a blockbuster rematch for the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship.1
Scheduled for November 16 at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, this titanic showdown will unfold inside Tokyo’s iconic Ariake Arena, promising fireworks from start to finish.
The rivalry between Reug Reug and Malykhin was born out of sheer grit, determination, and the clash of two completely different fighting styles.
When the pair first met nearly a year ago, few gave the Senegalese wrestling powerhouse much of a chance against the unbeaten Russian juggernaut.
History Time pic.twitter.com/Fz7WujG9J6
— Anatoly Malykhin (@AnatolyMalykhin) June 24, 2023
The Origins of a Rivalry
But Reug Reug defied the odds, weathered the storm, and captured the ONE Heavyweight World Title in what was deemed a seismic upset.
That bout wasn’t just about a title changing hands—it signaled a dramatic shift in the heavyweight hierarchy. Now, Malykhin is determined to reclaim his crown, and Reug Reug is eager to prove that his victory was no fluke.
Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane is not your typical MMA fighter. Hailing from Senegal, Kane is a revered lamb wrestler, a traditional West African combat sport that combines strength, technique, and theatrical flair.
Known for his massive frame, incredible athleticism, and brutal ground-and-pound, Reug Reug took the MMA world by storm with his relentless pressure and ferocious fighting style.
When he dethroned Malykhin, it wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a proud moment for Senegal and the African MMA community. In his home country, Reug Reug is more than just a fighter; he’s a national hero and cultural icon.
Anatoly Malykhin: Rise and Fall Explained
Anatoly Malykhin entered the first fight as the reigning king of the heavyweight division, boasting an unblemished record and an aura of invincibility.2
The Russian powerhouse was not only the ONE Heavyweight World Champion but also the ONE Light Heavyweight World Champion at one point, making him one of the promotion’s most decorated athletes.
Known for his knockout power and compact, explosive combinations, Malykhin was favored heavily to defend his belt against the comparatively inexperienced Reug Reug.
But the bout didn’t go as planned, and the defeat left a massive chip on his shoulder. The loss was personal. Now, Malykhin has his eyes firmly set on redemption.
ONE 173: A Super-Stacked Spectacle
The rematch will take place at ONE 173, an event that’s already shaping up to be one of the most significant in the promotion’s history.
With Superbon vs. Noiri as the headliner, the inclusion of a heavyweight title fight as the co-main event adds immense star power and stakes.
The Ariake Arena in Tokyo is the perfect venue for such a high-stakes encounter. With its world-class facilities and a fanbase that passionately supports martial arts, the atmosphere on November 16 is expected to be electric.
Chatri Sityodtong’s Take on the Rematch
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong didn’t hold back his excitement when discussing the bout at the press conference.
“And in the co-main events, we have two of the most explosive heavyweight superstars on the planet today, we have Anatoly Malykhin vying to get a rematch against Reug Reug, the Senegalese wrestling champion who shocked the world by taking the belt from Anatoly almost a year ago,” Sityodtong said.
He further emphasized the sheer physical intensity of the match-up, noting,
“I think between these two superstars is over 250 kilos of pure power, muscle, and explosiveness. [It’s] MMA at the highest levels on the planet.”
Sityodtong’s endorsement is more than promotional hype—he understands that Reug Reug vs. Malykhin II has all the makings of a classic.
Strength vs. Skill: The Stylistic Match-Up
The beauty of this fight lies in its contrasting styles. Reug Reug’s raw power and wrestling-based pressure game create chaos in the cage, making it nearly impossible for opponents to get comfortable.
He bulldozes forward, takes fighters down, and unleashes hammerfists with destructive intent.
Malykhin, by contrast, is a tactician with refined boxing skills and deceptive speed. He uses angles, feints, and crisp combinations to dismantle his foes.
For him, the key will be to avoid Reug Reug’s takedowns and keep the fight standing—where he holds a clear technical edge.
This dynamic makes the rematch even more intriguing. Both fighters will likely come into the cage having adjusted their game plans after studying what worked and what didn’t in their first meeting.
Anatoly Malykhin: The Pressure of Legacy
For Reug Reug, this fight is a chance to validate his championship reign and prove he belongs among the elite.3
Beating Malykhin once was monumental—but doing it again would silence any remaining skeptics and cement his legacy as a dominant champion.
For Malykhin, this is more than a title fight—it’s about reclaiming honor. A win would not only restore his championship status but also remind the world why he was once considered the most dangerous man in ONE Championship.
Fan Expectations and Global Reach
The global MMA community is buzzing with anticipation. Social media has been flooded with predictions, training footage, and debate over who will emerge victorious.
Fans are divided—some still ride with the proven skills of Malykhin, while others have fallen in love with Reug Reug’s rags-to-riches rise.
Given the international backgrounds of both fighters—Senegal and Russia—this isn’t just a fight; it’s a global spectacle. Fans from Africa, Europe, and Asia will be watching closely, making this bout a true celebration of martial arts diversity.
Potential Outcomes and What’s at Stake
If Reug Reug wins, his stock will skyrocket. He could become the face of ONE’s heavyweight division for years to come and possibly open the doors for cross-promotional opportunities or even a move to the U.S. market.
If Malykhin wins, he’ll become a two-time heavyweight world champion and reaffirm his place at the top of the food chain. A win would also be a powerful comeback story—showing resilience and the heart of a true warrior.
Either way, the outcome will significantly reshape the future of the heavyweight landscape in ONE Championship.
Also Read: Anatoly Malykhin’s Emotional Tribute to His Wife and Kid’s Success and Ice Bucket Challenge
Anatoly Malykhin Says ‘Reug Reug’ Should Enjoy His Title Reign While It Lasts
The stage is set for an epic showdown at ONE 173, where two titans of heavyweight MMA will collide in what promises to be a defining moment in the division’s history.
Former undisputed heavyweight champion and current two-division titleholder Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin is gearing up to challenge the newly crowned ONE heavyweight MMA world champion Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane.
And if Malykhin’s words at the pre-fight press conference are any indication, this is personal.
“What do I want to say about my opponent? Good guy. Let him enjoy the time while he is the champion. On November 16, I will knock him out,” Malykhin declared with icy calmness.
The message is clear: Reug Reug’s reign has an expiration date—and Malykhin intends to stamp it.
Styles Make Fights: Power vs. Precision
The matchup between Malykhin and Reug Reug is a classic contrast of styles. Malykhin, a polished striker with devastating knockout power and elite grappling, brings a well-rounded skill set into the circle.
His experience and technical savvy make him a nightmare for any opponent.
In contrast, Reug Reug is a raw physical specimen—explosive, unpredictable, and relentless. His traditional wrestling roots combined with improving MMA skills make him an unpredictable threat, especially when he imposes his strength early in the fight.
This fight is shaping up to be a battle of strategy. Can Malykhin keep his composure and wear down the Senegalese bulldozer? Or will Reug Reug overpower the Russian and solidify his reign?
Anatoly Malykhin: Bathhouse Experience
Anatoly Malykhin shared his honest experience of bathhouse and how it helps to Charged him like never before.
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A Warning Drenched in Confidence
Malykhin’s presser statement—”Let him enjoy the time while he is the champion”—isn’t just typical fight talk. It’s a psychological tactic aimed at shaking Reug Reug’s composure and casting a shadow of doubt over his reign.
Known for his confidence and charisma, Malykhin rarely minces words. His ability to back up his bold statements with brutal finishes gives his proclamations a dangerous edge. When Malykhin promises a knockout, fans listen—and opponents get nervous.
This isn’t just a threat. It’s a promise made by a man with the record and skill set to deliver.
Reug Reug’s Response: Calm Before the Storm
Despite Malykhin’s barbed comments, Reug Reug remains focused and unfazed. The reigning champion responded with his usual calm demeanor, vowing to prove that his reign is more than just a passing phase.
For Reug Reug, the fight is not about words—it’s about action. He’s used to people underestimating him and is determined to show the world that his path to the title was not a fluke.
Though relatively new to MMA compared to Malykhin, Reug Reug has made significant strides in improving his conditioning, striking, and overall cage IQ. This bout will be his opportunity to silence the critics once and for all.
Anatoly Malykhin’s Road Back to the Heavyweight Throne
Anatoly Malykhin is not just any challenger. The Russian juggernaut has carved a path of destruction through ONE Championship, capturing titles in two weight classes and establishing himself as one of the most dominant forces in the promotion’s history.
After claiming the ONE Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight world titles, Malykhin took a brief hiatus from the heavyweight spotlight, during which Reug Reug seized his opportunity and climbed to the top of the mountain.
But now, with vengeance in his heart and gold on his mind, Malykhin is ready to reclaim his throne.
The intensity in Malykhin’s tone during the press conference reveals a fighter who feels the belt was never truly lost—only borrowed.
The Unlikely King
Oumar Kane, better known as Reug Reug, has stunned critics and fans alike with his meteoric rise through ONE’s heavyweight division.
Coming from a background in Senegalese wrestling, Kane’s blend of raw power, athleticism, and unorthodox techniques turned heads immediately.
He captured the ONE heavyweight MMA world title in dramatic fashion, silencing doubters and proving that he belonged among the sport’s elite.
But even as the ink dries on his championship legacy, a massive storm brews in the form of Anatoly Malykhin.
For Reug Reug, this upcoming clash is more than a title defense—it’s a validation of his place at the top of the MMA food chain.
Also Read: How Anatoly Malykhin’s Energy Sets Him Apart in MMA, According to John Hutchinson
