ONE 170 was supposed to be the stage for Superlek Kiatmoo9’s defense of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Nico Carrillo. However, due to injury, an unexpected opportunity crossed the path of Nabil Anane. The 20-year-old Thai-Algerian star will square off against Carrillo for the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship at the event on Friday, January 24.
Nabil Anane on Nico Carrillo
“[Carrillo] is a good fighter. His striking is very good – very good punches – and he’s strong. He’s got a lot of strength, and yeah, he’s a very good fighter. I won’t tell what his biggest weakness is. But yes, I’ve watched him fight many times. We’ve fought on the same card before. I knew that soon we’d fight each other, but I didn’t know this day would come this fast, this soon,” Nabil Anane detailed to ONE.
Carrillo has looked nearly unstoppable in his ONE Championship tenure to date, but Anane has nothing to lose. Receiving the gift of a title opportunity has the rising star ready to leave everything inside the ring in Bangkok, Thailand. Competing for gold is ramping up the nervous energy for Nabil Anane.
ALMOST TIME ⏳ We're less than a week away from a marquee lineup of martial arts action at ONE 170 on January 24, featuring three World Title fights, the return of BJJ GOAT Marcelo Garcia, and many more massive matchups! What are you looking forward to most?#ONE170 | Jan 24 at… pic.twitter.com/jcKvXx5HaJ
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“The thing that gives me more pressure is the belt. I want the belt. Pressure from the opponent? Not really, for me. In my opinion, every fighter has got a different style. It’s just how the game plan goes and how you prepare yourself. I do my best in my training. I give my 100 percent. How it goes in the ring is just how it goes. For sure, I go for the win, but everything can happen, and everything can happen to him too – not only me,” the Thai-Algerian athlete said.
Nabil Anane Hungry for a Win Inside the Distance
As with any striker, Anane wants a knockout finish. However, the bantamweight striker is not willing to go for broke at the opening bell. Anane is hopeful he can end the match before the final bell but is preparing for five grueling rounds against the towering Scotsman.
“Of course, if I can make it quick, I will make it quick. I won’t take any risks. Him also. I know if he can make it quick, he’ll make it quick, too. But if I can’t, it will be a war for sure. If he wants to beat me, he must put me to sleep or something. If not, it’s going to be a war,” the title hopeful remarked.
When Nabil Anane debuted in ONE, he was instantly thrown into the deep end of the talent pool in a Muay Thai match against Superlek. After that swift defeat, he returned better than ever with five consecutive victories. The Thai-Algerian is thankful he has gotten to compete against the best and is ready to show that his battle-tested resume has brought him to the apex of the sport.
“I’m 20 years old, but I’m already fighting all these big names in ONE Championship. I think I can do this, and I’ll try. I’ll be the king of the new generation,” Nabil Anane replied.
Nabil Anane Ready For High Stakes at ONE 170
ONE 170 is a stacked event and a sold-out Impact Arena will be roaring for the first of three title tilts. The opportunity and platform afforded to him is not lost on Nabil Anane heading into the match. The 20-year-old believes January 24 will be his moment to become an international superstar and newly-crowned king.
“It’s a very big opportunity. I got this opportunity at a very young age, and I’m very glad for myself, very proud of myself. I will try my best to bring this belt home. I’ll pick it up to make myself proud, to make my family proud, my brothers proud. If I can bring this belt home, I’m going to be one of the youngest champions in the world. And this is a big, big honor for me, for everyone. Not only me, but also my family, my friends, and my brothers,” Anane concluded.
ONE 170 airs live on Friday, January 24. The event emanates from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The action begins at 6:30 a.m. EST/3:30 a.m. PST.