The Inner Circle: Reug Reug Declares Malykhin Title Rematch Will Be “Easy Fight”

"Reug Reug" Oumar Kane promises that a superior version of himself will defend the ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title against Anatoly Malykhin at The Inner Circle on Friday, 15 May. The long-awaited rematch finally materializes after their original bout last year was cancelled following Kane's car accident.

The 34-year-old Senegalese icon carries a 7-1 career MMA record with four victories via finish into this title defense. The Black Panther Sports and ReugReug MMA representative rides a five-fight winning streak built on devastating Senegalese wrestling that makes him one of his country's biggest sporting superstars.

Standing across from him will be the 38-year-old Russian challenger Malykhin, who holds the middleweight and light heavyweight MMA titles but seeks to reclaim the heavyweight crown. The One Chance Team and Tiger Muay Thai representative carries a 14-1 professional record, with his only defeat coming against Kane in their first encounter.

Kane revealed he's upgraded every aspect of his game during preparation for this rematch. He expects to showcase improvements in strength, power, and speed while acknowledging that Malykhin will also return better prepared.

"I've changed everything, made upgrades in every skill set. The new Oumar is coming. You can expect me to be stronger, more powerful - and faster. At the same time, I think Anatoly is going to be better also. It would be wrong to underestimate him," Kane said.

Despite respecting Malykhin's improvements, Kane believes their first fight provided complete understanding of his opponent's capabilities. He claims intimate knowledge of Malykhin's movement patterns and fighting tendencies will make the rematch straightforward.

"I know him inside and out now. It's going to be an easy fight for me. I know who Anatoly is after fighting him in the ring. I know his movement - I know everything," he explained.

Kane's confidence borders on dismissiveness when assessing their skill differential. The Senegalese fighter offered respect to Malykhin's abilities while declaring their levels incomparable, predicting the Russian will never defeat him regardless of preparation.

"Don't get me wrong, he's a good fighter. But after facing him, now I know we're not on the same level. But still, I give him the respect he deserves. No doubt, he's a good fighter. But he still can't beat me. He will never beat me," Kane declared.