Nabil Anane Pumped To Unify Belts Against Superlek Kiatmoo9 After Crushing Victory At ONE 170

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The path you're meant to walk reveals itself in time, and it did so perfectly for Nabil Anane. The Thai-Algerian shook the martial arts world by annihilating Nico Carrillo in the co-main event of ONE 170 at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

On Friday, 24 January, Anane knocked out the #2-ranked contender in the first round to become the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion. This astounding victory came as a surprise, as most fans and pundits expected Carrillo to win.

Anane faced no shortage of doubters. Still, his team and his parents believed in him, allowing Anane to showcase his true potential at the perfect time. The 20-year-old admitted he didn't expect a knockout but further added he would not let this success or money get to his head.

"Whatever happened, I knew that I had to dedicate a hundred percent to this fight. I didn't expect a knockout completely, but I said that if there's an opening and there was an opportunity to do so, I would go for it," Anane said.

"There are many people behind me. There are many coaches. My parents and all the teaching that they've been giving me. I'm sure that I will stay humble. I will keep practicing, keep working hard after I earn all this money and fame."

Even four weeks before ONE 170, he had no clue that he would be fighting for the Interim World Title. However, an injury prevented Superlek Kiatmoo9 from defending his lineal ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Carrillo, allowing matchmakers to book an interim title fight between Anane and Carrillo.

Now, the 6-foot-4 phenom will face the divisional champ to unify belts at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on 23 March. Anane, who lost his debut against Superlek, revealed that he will be ready to face his old foe once again.

"I've been improving myself since that loss to Superlek. I'm ready to face him. I will be prepared for [Superlek]. I will only need a few days of rest, and I will go back to the gym and work hard, and I will be better than this," Anane said.