“I’ll climb up gradually” - 6-foot-4 phenom Nabil Anane says he’ll gladly risk his top-five ranking against Soe Lin Oo

Nabil Anane has worked hard to get to where he is now in the bantamweight Muay Thai rankings, yet he doesn't see any problems risking his precious spot for his next matchup.

The 6-foot-4 phenom will face the dangerous Soe Lin Oo in a critical bantamweight Muay Thai matchup at ONE Friday Fights 81 at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.

During the card's virtual press conference, the fourth-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender said he has no issues putting his place in the top-five rankings on the line when he faces Lin Oo in Bangkok.

Anane added that risk is always a factor in combat sports, and that's just the reality of the career he chose to pick.

"There is a risk in everything on a regular basis, and I'm going to try my best, and I’ll climb up gradually to reach the top," said Nabil Anane.

After suffering a promotional debut loss at the hands of ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9, Anane went on an unstoppable rampage in his next four fights.

The 20-year-old racked up four straight wins against Nakrob Fairtex, Muangthai PK Saenchai, Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai, and former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title contender Felipe Lobo to secure his spot in the divisional rankings.

Anane now looks to secure his fifth straight win in the promotion and move closer to that coveted world title shot against Superlek.

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Superlek has nothing but high praise for the towering Nabil Anane

So far, only Superlek Kiatmoo9 managed to solve the towering puzzle that is Nabil Anane.

Superlek beat the two-time WBC Muay Thai world champion in their flyweight Muay Thai matchup at ONE Friday Fights 22, but Anane has since recovered from the defeat and is now one of the promotion's fastest-rising stars.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Superlek said Anane has gained valuable experience and is on track to become one of the best fighters in ONE Championship:

"Now that he has more experience, I think he has been good, like the time that he fought me, I think he was already good. And now that he's getting these experiences, getting the confidence, I think he will build up his skills very fast. And one day, not too long from now, I think he will be one of the toughest fighters to beat."

Watch Superlek's entire interview below: