Oumar Kane Channels Rodtang’s Spirit Before Heavyweight World Title Defense

ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion "Reug Reug" Oumar Kane continues to reflect on the special connection he shares with former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon nearly a year after their memorable night.

Both fighters delivered career-defining performances at ONE 169 last November, with Kane capturing heavyweight gold while Rodtang successfully defended his title against Jacob Smith.

Now, as Kane prepares to defend his belt against the man he took it from, Anatoly Malykhin, in a rematch in the co-main event of ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on 16 November in Japan, he's analyzed what made that night so special.

The Senegalese wrestler believes their shared entertainment factor sets them apart from other fighters on the roster.

"So you never see a Rodtang fight and be bored, and it's quite similar, you know, you never watch a 'Reug Reug' fight and be bored. The guy is like on the attack all time, or inviting the attack onto him. It's unbelievable to watch," Kane observed.

However, Kane suggests their fighting styles stem from deeper motivations rooted in their upbringing and family commitments.

"Rodtang and I come from the same background, growing up with nothing. We grew up in poverty, and we both dedicated our lives to sports and living for our family," the heavyweight said.

This family-first mentality has become a driving force for both fighters, with Kane recognizing how their personal missions mirror each other across different continents.

"I provide everything for my mom the same way Rodtang does. And I think our stories are quite similar, just in different countries. We both come from adversity to become champions, and we both won milestone fights when we were on the same cards together," he said.