“I’ve grown a lot” - Nabil Anane credits debut loss to Superlek for helping him reach his full potential 

Nabil Anane failed to get his hand raised against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in his first foray into ONE Championship. However, as far as the 20-year-old phenom is concerned, it was a total win in his book.

After all, that humbling experience showed Anane what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the sport against top competition on the global stage.

After tearing through the local Muay Thai scene, the towering striker was fed to the lions right away when he accepted a duel with the two-sport king at ONE Friday Fights 22 back in 2023.

'The Kicking Machine' immediately bridged the distance and unloaded on Anane's defenses, knocking him out in less than a round.

Speaking during the ONE 170 press conference, the Team Mehdi Zatout affiliate recalled how he turned his horrific promotional debut into a positive lesson:

"I had a disappointing fight against Superlek last time, but I feel like I learned a lot from that fight and I’ve grown a lot - I’m a better fighter now. I just keep improving myself all this time with ONE Championship."

True enough, the Algerian-Thai sensation hasn't tasted defeat since, going on a 5-0 rampage to earn a shot at the interim bantamweight Muay Thai crown.

Nabil Anane has agreed to step in as Superlek's injury replacement this Friday, where he'll take on Nico Carrillo for the interim bantamweight Muay Thai gold strap at ONE 170.

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Nabil Anane didn't expect world title opportunity to come this fast

After crashing into the 145-pound Muay Thai division's top 5, Nabil Anane expected to face a couple more ranked contenders before being considered for a shot at 26 pounds of hold.

Then again, when opportunity knocks, you must be ready to seize the day. The 20-year-old did not hesitate when offered to battle the dangerous Scottish destroyer Nico Carrillo, who had finished all four of his opponents in the home of martial arts.

The promising fighter from Team Mehdi Zatout said in a ONE Championship interview:

"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.”

ONE's return to Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand will air live in Asian Primetime on Jan. 24 via watch.onefc.com.

Watch the full ONE 170 press conference: