- Oumar Kane's journey has now become part of Senegal’s secondary school educational curriculum
- Kane will defend his ONE Heavyweight MMA World title against two-division MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin
- Reug Reug vs Malykhin II will happen at ONE 173: Superbon vs Noiri on November 16, 2025
Few athletes ever achieve what ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane has accomplished in his homeland of Senegal.
From growing up as one of six children in the small fishing town of Thiaroye sur Mer on the outskirts of Dakar to capturing heavyweight gold at ONE 169 last November, Kane’s remarkable journey has now become part of Senegal’s secondary school educational curriculum, inspiring kids in his country with his remarkable path to greatness.
For a man who grew up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, this incredible recognition represents the ultimate validation for Kane, who defends his crown against two-division MMA World Champion Anatoly “Sladkiy” Malykhin at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri inside Tokyo’s Ariake Arena on Sunday, November 16.
He told onefc.com:
“It’s incredible. What an honor it is for a sportsman to achieve in life. I strive to be the greatest sportsman I can be, but to be on school papers is something I could never dream of.”
Senegal, of course, has plenty of sporting icons – none more iconic than the football team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. That team consisted of captain Aliou Cisse, Henri Camara, El Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, and Lamine Diatta.
“Reug Reug,” who was inspired by these heroes growing up, knows his inclusion in his nation’s secondary school syllabus puts him in rarefied company.
That said, he’s not shy to assert his place amongst legends:
“Yes, all of our footballing heroes we have learned about [are part of the educational curriculum]. We have had so many.”
“In combat sports, Senegalese wrestling is such a huge part of our culture, and this was my education. I ate, drank, and slept learning about these stars and dreaming of becoming one. Now I’m not ashamed to say I’m the greatest of them all.”
Reug Reug’s Message To The Next Generation
Beyond the personal honor of being referenced in textbooks and schools, “Reug Reug” sees this as an opportunity to inspire the next generation of dreamers.
For someone who remained in Senegal despite watching many around him migrate to Europe in search of better opportunities, Kane is eager to continue leaving a mark through his rise.
His story is proof that greatness can be achieved without leaving home. It serves as a blueprint for overcoming any obstacle through dedication and hard work.
The new father continued:
“Anything is possible. We had nothing growing up and now we are able to provide for not just our family, but also our friends and business partners. It’s a dream that is achievable for everyone who just wants to work hard and dream of being the greatest.”
As the TRIPL3 MMA representative gets ready to defend his heavyweight crown in Tokyo and prove his first victory over Malykhin was no fluke, “Reug Reug” carries with him the hopes of an entire nation – and the responsibility of being a living lesson for students in Senegal who now study his incredible journey in their classrooms.
The ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion emphasized that his message extends far beyond combat sports.
Whether students dream of becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, or athletes, the principles that carried him from poverty to World Championship glory remain the same.
Kane concluded:
“It’s not about combat sports, it’s about just applying yourself to whatever you choose to do. Look at our President, he wanted to be a great leader and he’s doing great things within our country. Just aiming to be the greatest at what you do is enough to achieve a successful life.”
