Former ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion Ilias Ennahachi of Morocco and The Netherlands is thrilled to be returning to the ONE Championship ring when he heads to 'the Mecca of Muay Thai' this weekend.
Ennahachi will make his first appearance in the world's largest martial arts organization since Feb. 2023 to resume his legendary career as a bantamweight.
Speaking in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Ennahachi shared his thoughts on his ONE Championship return.
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The 28-year-old Dutch-Moroccan star said:
"I’m very excited to be back. I’m very happy to fight again in ONE Championship, the biggest organization. I’m very happy, very excited."
Ennahachi says he feels great in the higher weight class and is excited to make another run at the ONE world title.
The former flyweight kickboxing king added:
"I don’t know if you saw my last fight in ONE at bantamweight and the last fight at flyweight. You can see that I pushed more, I have more power, I feel great. I moved a lot, but when I move, I put a little bit pressure because I’m heavier. I’m heavy, and my body reacts well, so I feel great."
Needless to say, Ennahachi is looking to pick up right where he left off in ONE Championship, where he has gone unbeaten in four fights. He also owns the distinction of having been the only man to defeat Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the promotion.
Ilias Ennahachi to face Japanese standout Hiroki Akimoto in pivotal bantamweight clash at ONE Friday Fights 81
It's going to be a clash of former ONE world champions when Ilias Ennahachi and Hiroki Akimoto collide this weekend.
The two lock horns at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Sept. 27.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.