Anatoly Malykhin finally settled the score with Oumar Kane at ONE Friday Fights 154, knocking out the Senegalese champion in the fourth round. After the fight, tensions exploded inside the ring.
Slow start gives way to violent finish
For the first two rounds, the rematch felt frustratingly familiar. Just like in their first fight, both heavyweights fought cautiously. There was a lot of circling, hand fighting, and clinch work, but not much real offense. Reug Reug spent long stretches backing up, almost inviting Malykhin to lead the exchanges.
The pace finally picked up in the third round. Malykhin started pressing forward more aggressively and his punches began landing cleaner. Reug Reug looked uncomfortable once the pressure increased, and the momentum clearly shifted toward the Russian challenger.
Then, in round, Malykhin uncorked a massive right hand that dropped Reug Reug to the canvas. He immediately jumped on him with a barrage of punches before adding a few kicks as the referee rushed in to stop the fight.
Corners clash after controversial ending
The knockout itself was wild enough, but the aftermath nearly stole the show. The extra kicks seemed to anger Reug Reug’s corner instantly. Team members stormed into the ring shouting at Malykhin and his coaches as the situation quickly escalated.
For a brief moment, it looked like a full brawl might break out between both camps before security stepped in. Officials managed to separate everyone before anybody got hurt. Eventually, tensions cooled.
Watch the chaos here
Malykhin hints this could be the end
After the dust settled, Malykhin removed his gloves inside the ring. He did not officially announce anything, but this seems to imply retirement.
If this was the final fight of his career, Malykhin leaves the sport with a respectable 15-1 professional record. He can boast titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions in ONE Championship.
He also holds two wins over current UFC contender Reinier de Ridder.