ONE Heavyweight Champion Reug Reug Injured in Serious Car Accident

ONE Heavyweight Champion Reug Reug Injured in Serious Car Accident

ONE Heavyweight Champion Reug Reug Injured in Serious Car Accident — Title Rematch Postponed

The MMA world was shaken this week after reports confirmed that ONE Heavyweight Champion Oumar “Reug Reug” Kane was involved in a serious car accident in the United Arab Emirates, just a week before his scheduled title defense.

The 32-year-old Senegalese powerhouse, known for his explosive wrestling and fan favorite status, was set to face Anatoly Malykhin in a highly anticipated rematch at ONE 173 on November 16, 2025. That bout has now been officially postponed, as the champion recovers from injuries sustained in the crash.

⚠️ The Incident and Immediate Fallout

According to multiple outlets including ONE Championship, MMA Fighting, and MMA Mania, the accident occurred earlier this week in the UAE, where Reug Reug had been finalizing his training camp.

The promotion described the incident as “serious” but did not disclose specific injuries. Reug Reug’s coaching team later confirmed that while the champion is recovering, the injuries were significant enough to rule him out of competition for the remainder of 2025. Early reports suggest he could target a return as early as April 2026, though no official date has been announced.

For now, the heavyweight belt remains in limbo, leaving ONE officials to determine whether Malykhin will wait for the champion’s return or if an interim title fight will be introduced in the meantime.

🥊 A Rising Star and Symbol of Senegalese Power

Reug Reug’s story is one of the most inspiring in MMA today. Born in Thiaroye-sur-Mer, Senegal, he rose from humble beginnings as a Senegalese wrestling champion to become a global MMA star, earning the nickname “The Lion of Thiaroye.”

With a record of 7-1 in professional MMA, he captured the ONE Heavyweight Title earlier this year after a thrilling split-decision victory over Malykhin at ONE 169: marking the first time an African fighter had ever won a ONE Championship heavyweight belt.

His combination of raw athleticism, traditional wrestling roots, and magnetic personality made him one of the most popular fighters on the ONE roster, with a massive following across Africa and Asia.

🏥 Unanswered Questions

As of this writing, no detailed medical report has been released, leaving fans wondering just how serious the accident was. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation online, though Reug Reug’s coach has assured fans that “he’s recovering and will be back stronger.”

The accident also disrupts one of the most promising heavyweight rivalries in recent memory. Malykhin had been training specifically for the rematch, eager to avenge his narrow loss now that momentum has been paused indefinitely.

🧭 FIGHT.TV’s Take on Reug Reug's Accident

FIGHT.TV extends our thoughts and well wishes to Reug Reug and his team during recovery. His rise has been a beacon for African MMA, and the community is rallying behind him.

While accidents outside the cage remind us of the fragility of life and career, they also show the resilience that defines fighters like Reug Reug. Whether his return happens in early 2026 or later, fans can expect a comeback story worth watching, and a rematch with Malykhin that will carry even greater emotional weight.

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By Austin Jones — CMO & Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV

Austin Jones is a combat sports business strategist and media executive. As Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Editor at FIGHT.TV, he covers everything from behind the scenes controversies to dynamic industry breakdowns of promotions, to the satirical side of fight culture. He is also the founder of Business Goals Group LLC, a marketing and consulting powerhouse helping brands scale nationwide, while serving in leadership and marketing management roles across multiple U.S. organizations.