March 25, 2025, JAPAN: Algeria’s Nabil Anane achieved the biggest win of his career against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on Sunday at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang in Japan.
Anane displayed improved striking and growing confidence, securing an impressive victory at the Saitama Super Arena against the Thai Muay Thai icon, often regarded as the world’s best in the sport.
Although initially set to be a ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title unification bout, the fight's rules changed after Superlek failed his pre-match hydration test, resulting in him being stripped of his title. Despite not having the chance to unify the championship, Anane had something to prove, especially against Superlek, who had previously defeated him in 2023 by first-round knockout on his ONE debut.
This time, Anane delivered a dominant performance, controlling the fight with quick movements that prevented Superlek from landing any significant shots. The 20-year-old used his height and reach advantage to land powerful punches, kicks, and knees. He also became the first fighter to knock down Superlek with a high right kick, causing Superlek to bounce off the ropes and hit the canvas.
With this victory, Anane became only the second athlete to ever defeat Superlek in the ONE Championship, after Morocco’s Ilias Ennahachi. Anane’s professional record improved to 40-5, continuing his impressive form following wins over Nico Carrillo, Felipe Lobo, and Soe Lin Oo.
Anane, the youngest-ever WBC Muay Thai world champion, expressed his joy at defeating the Muay Thai and kickboxing icon. “I’m very happy now. My first dream just came true. I’m so happy; I’ve never been this happy in my life before,” Anane said, thanking his friends, family, and coach Mehdi Zatout.
The event, which featured four world-title bouts, was headlined by Thailand’s Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who claimed a historic first-round knockout victory over Takeru Segawa in a flyweight kickboxing contest.
Earlier, Morocco’s Zakaria El-Jamari, who fought alongside Anane representing Arab nations, suffered a first-round knockout loss to Japan’s Hyu Iwata.