Oumar Kane has withdrawn from his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship rematch against Anatoly Malykhin at ONE 173 after being injured in a car accident in the United Arab Emirates.
The 33-year-old Senegalese wrestler was scheduled to make his first title defense against Malykhin on Sunday, November 16, at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. The extent of Kane's injuries has not been disclosed, but the setback prevents him from competing in the highly anticipated rematch.
Kane captured the heavyweight title from the previously undefeated Malykhin at ONE 169, using improved striking and grappling to earn a split-decision victory after five rounds. The triumph made Kane Africa's first ONE World Champion while extending his winning streak to five fights. The loss dropped Malykhin's record to 14-1, marking his first career defeat.
Despite losing the heavyweight title rematch, ONE 173 still features 17 matchups across mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and submission grappling. Four additional title bouts remain on the card before Superbon faces Masaaki Noiri in a ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Championship unification in the main event.
Rodtang Jitmuangnon meets Nong-O Hama for the vacant ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship in an all-Thai showcase. Nadaka Yoshinari and Numsurin Chor Ketwina will compete for the inaugural ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.
Christian Lee defends his ONE Lightweight MMA World Title against undefeated challenger Alibeg Rasulov in their rematch after their first meeting ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke. Joshua Pacio moves up from strawweight to challenge Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship as he seeks to become the first Filipino two-division MMA World Champion.
