Reug Reug vs Malykhin II confirmed to take place in ONE Championship Circle

ONE Championship has announced the heavyweight rematch between Oumar Kane and Anatoly Malykhin — this fight will serve as the co-main event of ONE 173 at Ariake Arena, Tokyo on November 16, 2025.

The second meeting between these fighters will use the Circle format — different from their first bout that drew criticism for being held in a conventional ring.

“The first fight with two heavyweights in the ring was quite ugly,” stated Chatri Sityodtong, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO at a Tokyo press conference.

“But this time we’re holding it in the cage and someone will fall. I think between these two superstars, there’s more than 250kg of pure power and explosiveness. This is MMA at the highest level on the planet,” he added.

Kane, known as Reug Reug, defeated Malykhin via split decision about seven months ago — handing the Russian fighter his first loss.