“Still legendary” - Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane shows his love to Anatoly Malykhin after grind-out world title showdown at ONE 169

They may have had one of the most heated buildups to any world title fight, but Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane and Anatoly Malykhin didn't forget to show each other massive respect following their Bangkok showdown.

Kane did the unthinkable and unseated Malykhin from the ONE heavyweight MMA throne in the main event of ONE 169 at Lumpinee Stadium this past weekend.

The two heavyweight monsters were at each other's throats for the entire fight week, and their matchup practically had the same hatred.

Nevertheless, Malykhin took to social media to congratulate Kane on the win and the new heavyweight MMA king quickly showed plaudits to the Russian knockout machine.

'Reug Reug' wrote in the comments section of Malykhin's Instagram post:

"Thanks, champ, you're a stand-up man 👊 respect, you're still legendary."

Kane became not only the first man to beat Malykhin in MMA but he also the first Senegalese MMA world champion.

The 32-year-old went from a relative prospect when he arrived at ONE Championship in 2021, to now standing at the mountaintop of the heavyweight division.

Despite the loss, Malykhin remains one of the deadliest knockout monsters in MMA, with all six of his wins in ONE Championship coming via either KO or TKO. He's also in possession of the ONE middleweight and light heavyweight MMA world titles.

Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can watch the replay of ONE 169 on demand and for free.

---

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye lauds 'Reug Reug's' historic world title win

Oumar 'Reug Reug' Kane's stunning upset of Anatoly Malykhin sent shockwaves throughout MMA, and one of the personalities who took quick notice was Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Taking to social media, Faye congratulated Kane and described the new ONE heavyweight MMA world champion as an inspiration to future generations of Senegalese martial artists.

Faye wrote:

"Congratulations to Oumar Kane, aka Reug Reug, for making history by becoming the first Senegalese MMA heavyweight world champion. Through his courage, determination, and talent, he honors Senegal and inspires an entire generation. Our nation is proud of this remarkable feat."