“More violence” - Fans play matchmaker, hope for multiple super fights for heavyweight MMA king ‘Reug Reug’ in 2025

Senegalese fighter Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane ended his 2024 ONE Championship campaign on a high note by seizing the heavyweight belt from erstwhile divisional king Anatoly Malykhin in November. Fans want him to build on it by competing in more top-level matches in 2025.

They made their thoughts known as ONE posted a video on its Instagram account of the newly minted heavyweight world champion practicing his wrestling. It then asked its followers what they wanted next for the 31-year-old Thiaroye sur Mer native.

Fans obliged by taking to the comments section and sharing their thoughts on it. Below are what some of them wrote.

One fan expressed his wish to see 'Reug Reug' tested more by top-level heavyweight fighters this year, writing:

"More violence lol 🤣😮😍👏🔥🙌❤️"

More top-level matches

Another played matchmaker and suggested that the now-heavyweight champion have a rematch with Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida, who he edged out by decision in their first match in August 2023. The fan wrote:

"Reug Reug vs Buchecha 2🔥🔥🙌"

Rematch with Buchecha

Others had the reigning heavyweight king having a rematch with Malykhin and even a super fight with his Muay Thai counterpart Roman Kryklia.

Below are screenshots of what other fans wrote:

Topnotch matches, please.

Prior to seizing the MMA heavyweight belt, 'Reug Reug' knocked out compatriot Boucher Ketchup in the opening round of their heavyweight kickboxing clash in July.

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'Reug Reug' says victory over 'Buchecha' inspired him to push for world title

Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane could well be open to have a rematch with Marcus 'Buchecha' Almeida considering how his victory over the Brazilian jiu-jitsu legend in their first encounter a year and a half ago inspired him to make a push for the world title.

He spoke about the significance of his victory over 'Buchecha' in the lead-up to his title bid against former heavyweight MMA world champion Anatoly Malykhin in November in an interview with ONE Championship.

The Senegalese champion said:

"I felt good. I was very happy. I knew in myself that I was going to beat that guy, 100 percent. The people don't know me, but they know Buchecha. Not a lot of people know me, but if I beat that guy, everybody will know my name.

"So I knew in myself that I couldn't lose to that guy. So yeah, when I got that contract, I was very happy because I knew I was going to win."

In their first encounter, both fighters went back-and-forth for the full three rounds with 'Reug Reug' doing just enough to edge 'Buchecha' out for the win.