ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane has long been a beoved figure in Senegal’s combat sport scene, but his ascension to divisional king in ONE Championship has catapulted him to unimaginable levels of stardom.
He captured gold when he handed Russian juggernaut Anatoly Malykhin his first career loss at ONE 169 in November 2024, establishing himself as the first African-born World Champion in ONE Championship history in the process.
Kane was already a known figure in his homeland thanks to his background in Senegalese wrestling, but the switch to superstar has taken some getting used to.
"I am a big man in Africa. In Africa, everybody knows me. Everybody supports me. It's the first time that a World Champion from ONE is coming from Africa, so everybody's happy," he beamed.
"I get a lot of attention now. I like that I have fans who love me from before, and now I have new fans. I am a ONE World Champion, so everyone knows me now."
Kane's journey to the summit embodies the quintessential rags-to-riches tale. Born into a family of fishermen who often struggled to make ends meet, the heavyweight MMA king’s path mirrors that of other ONE Championship icons who have risen from humble beginnings.
His story echoes the inspirational journey of former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who similarly transformed from poverty to becoming one of combat sports' biggest stars.
Now established as Senegal's favourite son, Kane uses his platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, regardless of their circumstances.
"Anything is possible. Me and Rodtang have the same story. 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 wants to work hard and dream of being the greatest," he explained.
"It's not about combat sports. It's about just applying yourself to whatever you choose to do! Just aiming to be the greatest at what you do is enough to achieve a successful life."
