Hopes for a championship defense were dashed abruptly. Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane sustained injuries in a significant automotive incident, necessitating his removal from the highly-anticipated heavyweight title rematch at ONE 173.
The reigning ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion was preparing to put his title on the line against Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan. The 33-year-old Senegalese combat sports athlete’s accident transpired in the United Arab Emirates. ONE Championship has not revealed the specifics of his injuries.
Kane unseated Malykhin, who was previously undefeated, at ONE 169 in November. He implemented enhanced striking and grappling to overcome the Russian by split decision following an engaging five-round contest within Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.
That landmark victory established Reug Reug as the first ONE World Champion from Africa. He extended his string of victories to five while dealing Malykhin his first career loss, altering the Russian’s formerly perfect record to 14-1.
The Senegalese grappler was welcomed home by immense celebrations. Thousands of followers greeted him at Blaise Diagne International Airport with dancers and notable figures recognizing his accomplishment. A depiction of his fighting resolve is now displayed in his hometown.
ONE 173 maintains strong lineup despite Reug Reug absence
ONE 173 continues to present 17 contests across MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling, notwithstanding the loss of its heavyweight title rematch. Four further World Title matches highlight the spectacular Tokyo event.
Superbon defends his ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri in the main event unification match. The victor will achieve undisputed supremacy in the 155-pound kickboxing class.
Additionally, Rodtang Jitmuangnon will compete against striking legend Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship. The all-Thai showdown promises excitement between two celebrated fighters aiming for championship gold.
Nadaka Yoshinari will face Numsurin Chor Ketwina for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title. Japan’s representative will battle Thailand’s strong contender with a historic prize at stake.
Christian Lee will defend his ONE Lightweight MMA World Title in a rematch against the undefeated Turkish competitor Alibeg Rasulov. Their initial encounter concluded in a contentious no contest ruling.
Lastly, Joshua Pacio will move up from strawweight to challenge Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship. The Filipino champion will test his capabilities against Japan’s local favorite in pursuit of achieving two-division dominance.
