Ilias Ennahachi says Hiroki Akimoto win showcased only a glimpse of his talent: “I’m gonna be better”

Despite delivering a dominant performance at ONE Friday Fights 81, former ONE world champion Ilias Ennahachi knows that he can do better.

After dominating the ONE flyweight kickboxing division, Ennahachi made his bantamweight debut inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok on Friday and needless to say, he did not disappoint. Ennahachi put his power on display early against Akimoto, blasting the top-five contender with a vicious left hook that sat him down in the opening round.

Luckily for Akimoto, it was in the waning seconds of the first allowing him time to recover once answering the referee's 10-count.

Still, Akimoto simply couldn't hang with Ennahachi, who displayed his power and precision en route to a unanimous decision victory over the former bantamweight kickboxing world titleholder.

During his post-fight interview with Mitch Chilson, Ennahachi suggested that he'll be even better the next time we see him inside the ring.

"Every fight you can do better and better," he said. The fights coming up, I’m gonna be better."

---

Ilias Ennahachi feels much more powerful at bantamweight

Before his return at ONE Friday Fights 81, Ilias Ennahachi had won four straight as a flyweight, including an impressive decision victory over current two-sport ONE world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Making the move up to bantamweight, Ennahachi revealed that he feels much more powerful at the higher weight class and faces significantly less pressure to make weight.

"I feel very strong, I make more pressure. Now I have the condition to fight because I don't focus on my weight for the flyweight. I can now focus on the fights as a bantamweight. I can focus on my fights, so I can make good fights."

With his win over Hiroki Akimoto, Ennahachi should find himself a spot in the bantamweight top five and could very well be the next man in line for a shot at ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty.

If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Friday Fights 81 replay on demand via watch.onefc.com.