Reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nabil Anane reflected on his extraordinary 2025 campaign that saw him capture gold, avenge his promotional debut loss to pound-for-pound great Superlek, and successfully transition to kickboxing competition.
The 21-year-old Thai-Algerian sensation discussed the defining moments of his breakout year while revealing his desire to return to traditional “art of eight limbs” competition after focusing recent preparation on kickboxing rules.
Nabil Anane transformed from promotional newcomer who lost his June 2023 debut against Superlek into undisputed bantamweight Muay Thai king through five consecutive victories over top-tier opposition, which earned him an interim title shot against Scotland’s Nico Carrillo.
Nabil Anane Credits Early 2025 Fights as Career Highlights
Speaking about his championship year, the young titleholder emphasized how strong beginnings and endings defined his 2025 success. Nabil Anane highlighted his January interim title victory and March rematch triumph over Superlek as the standout moments that established his championship credentials.
“It was a blessing because I started very well and ended it very well also. The best moments have been the first two fights in the beginning of the year, in January and March – the interim belt and the second fight where I won against Superlek in the rematch,” Nabil Anane said.
The January 2025 interim title clash at ONE 170 saw Anane demolish Scottish superstar Carrillo via TKO in less than one round. That crushing victory landed him the belt and reinforced the fact that Anane could be a cornerstone in the division for years to come.
His March showdown with Superlek at ONE 172 carried extra significance as the pound-for-pound great missed weight and hydration requirements, transforming their scheduled title unification battle into a non-title bout. Despite the altered circumstances, Anane delivered a masterful performance to defeat Superlek via unanimous decision, ending the Thai legend’s 13-fight winning streak while exacting revenge for his debut defeat.
Champion Nabil Anane Reveals Superlek Rematch as Most Meaningful Victory
When pressed to identify his most significant 2025 moment, the 6-foot-4 tower selected his redemption victory over Superlek, explaining the personal importance of avenging his promotional debut loss. Anane discussed his uncertainty about receiving a second opportunity against the pound-for-pound great before circumstances aligned perfectly.
“It’s very hard to pick what the best moment was, but I will pick the fight against Superlek. I lost against him in my ONE debut, and then I didn’t know if I would have a chance to fight against him again. But then he moved up to bantamweight also, and then I had a chance. That’s what was amazing,” Anane explained.
The emotional weight of defeating someone who handed him his promotional debut loss adds context to understanding why this victory resonated more deeply than capturing championship gold.
Undisputed King Nabil Anane Eager to Return to Muay Thai Roots
Following a golden year that included successful kickboxing ventures, Nabil Anane revealed his desire to return to Muay Thai competition. The Thai-Algerian explained that his recent training focus on kickboxing rules has created a longing for “the art of eight limbs,” where he established his championship credentials.
His September kickboxing tilt against former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi showed promise before an accidental low blow forced a no contest ruling. The young titleholder bounced back impressively in November at ONE 173, moving up to featherweight where he defeated Japan’s Hiromi Wajima via clear decision.
“Personally, I want to come back and fight in Muay Thai because it’s been quite long since I fought in Muay Thai. I’ve been preparing myself for kickboxing, and I just want to come back and fight in Muay Thai because I miss Muay Thai,” Anane said.
The admission suggests the undisputed champ will prioritize defending his bantamweight Muay Thai crown while continuing to develop his kickboxing skills for a potential two-sport title run.
