Three-division ONE World Champion Anatoly Malykhin is one of the millions surprised by the latest addition to this weekend’s stacked ONE Fight Night 23 card, and he made it clear that he’s not impressed.

With less than a week until the Friday, July 5, event, it was announced that heavyweight MMA star “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane will be making an appearance in a kickboxing match with Mamadou “Boucher Ketchup” Kamara inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Anatoly Malykhin’s bold message to Oumar Kane

While it is certainly intriguing, many are arguing that “Reug Reug” is risking a lot before his ONE Heavyweight MMA World Championship challenge against Malykhin that is scheduled for ONE 169: Atlanta on November 8 at the State Farm Arena in Georgia, U.S.A.

In an interview with ONE, “Sladkiy” did not mince words when he sent a message to his upcoming opponent.

“Oumar, what are you doing? What kickboxing? Your delicate body can’t take these punches,” he said.

“I have one favor to ask of you: Don’t fall face first in this fight and get seriously injured. Don’t ruin the poster for our fight in Atlanta. Preserve your face.”

Reug Reug’s clash with Malykhin and his bold predictions

Though he has made a name as a world-class wrestler, Kane has shown that he can also be deadly with his strikes throughout his ONE Championship. Three of the Senegalese star’s wins in the promotion have come by knockout, so a move to kickboxing isn’t the most far-fetched foray.

Against his compatriot, Kamara, the 32-year-old, will face a fighter with a similar pedigree, so their clash should be a nailbiter.

However, Malykhin believes “Reug Reug” won’t have a problem this weekend. And the heavyweight MMA king believes that speaks volumes.

“This guy Ketchup is right in your league. I know you like to beat up unprepared people. But make sure you bring a pillow when you fight me. I want you to be comfortable when I send you to sleep,” Malykhin said.

“I promise I’ll lull you to sleep with a good lullaby. Just don’t overdo it fighting Ketchup and make it to Atlanta uninjured.”