ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Oumar Kane has achieved a rare distinction in his homeland, with his life story now included in Senegal's secondary school educational curriculum.
Kane will defend his heavyweight title against Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.
The 33-year-old from the small fishing town of Thiaroye sur Mer has become an inspiration for Senegalese students studying his journey from poverty to the top of ONE Championship.
"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," Kane said.
Kane joins Senegal's most celebrated sporting heroes in the educational curriculum, including members of the national football team that reached the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals. That squad featured captain Aliou Cisse, Henri Camara, El Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, and Lamine Diatta.
The heavyweight ruler acknowledges the significance of joining such distinguished company while asserting his own place among Senegal's greatest athletes.
"Yes, all of our footballing heroes we have learned about [are part of the educational curriculum]. We have had so many," Kane said. "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."
Kane views his inclusion in the curriculum as an opportunity to inspire future generations. He remained in Senegal while many around him migrated to Europe seeking better opportunities, proving that greatness can be achieved without leaving home.
"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," Kane said.
The TRIPL3 MMA representative captured the heavyweight title by defeating Malykhin at ONE 169 in November, becoming the first African-born champion in ONE Championship history. Kane will defend his title in their rematch.
He emphasized that his message extends beyond combat sports to any field of endeavor.
"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," Kane said. "Just aiming to be the greatest at what you do is enough to achieve a successful life."
