The 20-Year-Old Algerian Muay Thai Sensation Defeats Thai Superstar in Dominant Fashion
SAITAMA, JAPAN – On a night filled with electrifying action at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang, 20-year-old Nabil Anane announced his arrival among Muay Thai’s elite with a career-defining unanimous decision victory over Superlek Kiatmoo9 at the Saitama Super Arena.
Facing a fighter widely regarded as one of the most dominant strikers in the sport, Anane executed a flawless game plan, using his reach, precision, and striking versatility to control the fight from start to finish. The victory not only avenged his previous loss to Superlek but also established him as a legitimate contender in the bantamweight division.
Tactical Brilliance and Flawless Execution
From the opening bell, Anane dictated the pace of the fight, utilizing his exceptional reach and footwork to keep Superlek at a distance. He landed sharp combinations, mixing his striking levels with devastating head kicks that repeatedly found their target.
Superlek, known for his aggressive pressure and knockout power, struggled to break through Anane’s defense. Each time he attempted to close the distance, he was met with precise counterstrikes and punishing teeps that halted his momentum. Anane’s ability to control the exchanges and neutralize Superlek’s signature weapons was a testament to his tactical discipline and high-level fight IQ.
As the fight progressed, Anane’s confidence grew, and by the final round, he was firmly in control, landing clean strikes that left no doubt in the judges’ minds. When the scorecards were read, all three judges unanimously awarded the fight to Anane—cementing the biggest win of his career.
“This Was My Dream” – Anane Reflects on His Victory
For Anane, this triumph was the culmination of years of dedication and sacrifice. In his post-fight remarks, he expressed deep gratitude to his team and coaches, crediting their meticulous game-planning and preparation for his success.
“This was my dream and my first goal, and I have achieved it,” Anane stated, reflecting on the significance of the win.
The fight was initially set to be a ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title unification bout, but a weight miss from Superlek resulted in the title being vacated. Despite the change in stakes, Anane remained laser-focused on securing victory, determined to prove himself against one of the best strikers in the world.
The Future of Muay Thai?
With this victory, Anane has positioned himself as one of the most exciting rising stars in the sport. Despite having competed across multiple weight classes in his young career, he confirmed his intention to remain in the bantamweight division.
“I feel like I don’t want to move up anytime soon,” he said, signaling his desire to establish dominance in the division before exploring future challenges.
As fight fans and analysts take note of his rapid rise and undeniable talent, speculation is already mounting about when, not if, Anane will challenge for a world title. With his technical prowess, strategic acumen, and unwavering confidence, he has all the tools to become the next dominant force in Muay Thai.
One thing is certain—the era of Nabil Anane has begun.
