Heavyweight MMA contender “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane is in the final preparations for his long-awaited showdown with undefeated submission specialist Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida at ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs. Grigorian on Prime Video.
Airing live in North American primetime on August 4, that pivotal clash will be the Senegalese star’s chance to continue his meteoric rise in the division. And with another strong showing, perhaps he could earn a crack at reigning ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion Anatoly Malykhin.
Beloved for his unmatched physicality and thunderously powerful takedowns, “Reug Reug” has quickly captured the attention of combat sports fans around the globe.
Here are five fast facts about the 31-year-old before he returns to action at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, next week.
#1 He Started Wrestling At 16
Born and raised in a small fishing village outside of Dakar, Kane began training in the traditional Senegalese wrestling art of “mbapatte” at the age of 16.
At first glance, the sport looks similar to Olympic freestyle or Greco-Roman wrestling, with many of the same takedown techniques.
However, Senegalese wrestling differs in one crucial way – strikes are permitted and matches can be won by knockout.
#2 He Amassed A 16-0 Record In Professional Senegalese Wrestling
With his prodigious athletic gifts and the determination to become a star, “Reug Reug” soon began competing at the highest level of Senegalese wrestling, often performing in front of thousands of spectators at Dakar’s main stadium.
He immediately found success, putting together an impressive 16-0 record before transitioning to the all-encompassing sport of MMA.
#3 He Overcame An Injury To Win His ONE Debut
Kane is more than just a physical specimen; he’s also displayed loads of grit, toughness, and mental fortitude throughout his six-fight professional MMA career.
In his promotional debut against Cameroonian striking icon Alain Ngalani, the wrestler was forced to dig deep and overcome a serious arm injury to score the spectacular TKO finish late in the first round.
#4 He’s Married To An African Music Star
The heavyweight sensation doesn’t have to go through the rigors of an intense professional career by himself.
In April 2022, “Reug Reug” married Gambian musician Nancy Mboob in a small ceremony in Dubai.
#5 His Nickname Came From His Late Uncle
For the man known as “Reug Reug,” his nickname is perhaps more widely known than his legal name.
The famous moniker actually came from within Kane’s family. It was given to him by his late uncle due to “a miracle at his birth” – a story we hope to learn more about in the future.
