ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Oumar Kane has discovered fresh motivation as he prepares for his first title defense, welcoming his first child just months after capturing gold.
Kane will face Anatoly Malykhin in their rematch at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The Senegalese wrestler became a father to a daughter following his historic victory over Malykhin at ONE 169, where he became the first African-born athlete to capture a ONE World Title.
"I've got a baby now, I'm a father. It's a baby girl. I'm very happy now that I'm a father," Kane said. "I said, 'Thank you, God. You gave me a baby.' I am very, very happy. I won [against Malykhin], and after that, I had a baby."
Fatherhood has given the 33-year-old a new perspective that extends beyond championship success. Kane views his daughter's arrival as another significant chapter in his journey from the wrestling arenas of Senegal to global prominence.
"I want my daughter to know her dad is a warrior and one of the greatest combat sports athletes in history," Kane said.
The transition to fatherhood while maintaining his professional responsibilities has presented new challenges for Kane, who currently trains in Dubai while his family remains in Senegal.
"It's hard, as I train in Dubai. Being away from my family to chase greatness, I have so much to achieve with ONE Championship that I just have to juggle these elements of my life until the time is right to hang up the gloves," Kane said.
The physical separation adds another layer of sacrifice to Kane's training regimen, but he understands the temporary situation as necessary for securing his daughter's future.
Kane has already taken steps to provide for his growing family, constructing a new home in Senegal's capital city.
"If you know me, you know I train, eat, and sleep. This is my life. But now, providing for my daughter is even more important," Kane said. "We always want to give our kids the life we didn't have, and I have built her a new house in the capital where she can grow up comfortably and happily."
