by Adam Josephson
Photo Credit: One Championship
‘Reug Reug’ to Compete in Kickboxing Bout Against Influencer Boucher Ketchup at ONE Fight Night 23
ONE Championship’s fan-favorite Oumar Kane, better known as “Reug Reug,” is set to make his kickboxing debut on July 5 at ONE Fight Night 23. Despite his ongoing quest for the heavyweight MMA title in November, “Reug Reug” (6-1 MMA, 0-0 KB) will step into the ring against fellow Senegalese and social media influencer Boucher Ketchup at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok. The match, set for three three-minute rounds, comes as the pair, both former laamb wrestlers, issued a challenge to each other during a live broadcast of 221 Live, as reported by Sportskeeda.
Kane, 32, from 971 MMA, entered the MMA scene in 2019 with a decisive victory over Sofiane Boukichou, catapulting him into ONE Championship. He made a name for himself by defeating Alain Ngalani and Patrick Schmid in 2021, though he suffered a setback against Kirill Grishenko shortly after. However, Kane rebounded with three consecutive wins, including a recent unanimous decision over grappling ace Marcus Almeida, securing his spot for a future title bout against Anatoly Malykhin.
Boucher Ketchup, also making his kickboxing debut, hails from Dakar, Senegal, and currently resides in the Bronx, New York. Like Kane, Ketchup has a background in the Senegalese national sport of wrestling. In 2022, he ventured into amateur MMA, securing a decision win over Dieuf-Dieul. This kickboxing clash marks a significant step for both fighters, as they transition from their wrestling roots to a new combat sports arena.
Regardless of the outcome in this kickboxing bout, Kane remains on track to challenge for the ONE heavyweight MMA title later this year.
