Reug Reug, IShowSpeed link up in viral wrestling moment

ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane welcomed social media superstar IShowSpeed to Senegal the only way he knows how. With sand beneath their feet and drums echoing across the pit.

The Senegalese heavyweight linked up with the famous YouTuber during a stop in Dakar. It was part of Speed’s “Speed Does Africa” series touring 20 African nations. The ONE World Champion gave the American streamer a crash course in Mbapatte. It’s the traditional Senegalese martial art also known as Laamb that shaped his path to championship gold.

Before Kane became the world’s best heavyweight MMA fighter, he dominated the ancient discipline that defines Senegalese culture. His collaboration with Speed showcased centuries-old combat sport traditions to the online personality’s massive global audience approaching 50 million subscribers.

Reug Reug and Speed descended upon the sandy pit with their entourages as massive crowds gathered to witness two colossal personalities from different worlds collide. Fans roared with anticipation while the heavyweight king and his crew performed the pre-fight Sabar dance rooted in tradition. They moved to infectious drum rhythms echoing across the sand — the same energetic celebration “Reug Reug” proudly displays on ONE Championship’s global stage.

The Senegalese standout proceeded to teach Speed fundamental techniques from his arsenal. The American picked up movements quickly, displaying an impressive back take that drew cheers from assembled masses. Then Speed put his newfound skills to immediate use, competing in an impromptu match against a local wrestler. He performed a throw that sent the crowd into a frenzy as he celebrated alongside his towering instructor.

Reug Reug recovering from car accident injuries

Reug Reug was scheduled to defend his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Title against two-division king Anatoly Malykhin in a highly anticipated rematch at ONE 173 in Tokyo last November. That bout got postponed after the champion suffered injuries in a car accident.

The towering Senegalese wrestler dethroned the previously unbeaten Russian at ONE 169 inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. His split-decision victory transformed him from a superstar into a legend across his homeland. The historic triumph earned him championship gold while cementing his place among Senegal’s greatest sporting icons.

With the reigning champion on the path to recovery, fans can expect the hulking rivals to settle their unfinished business sometime in 2026.