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Fifth-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nabil Anane is staying focused on the task at hand ahead of a huge moment for his young career.
In recent times, the 20-year-old has been no stranger to big matchups and receiving the spotlight treatment.
His clashes with the likes of Felipe Lobo and 'Left Meteorite' Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai have shown that he belongs at this level but his upcoming bout at ONE 170 is yet another step up.
An injury forced ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 out of his title defense against Nico Carrillo on Jan. 24 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
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Rather than his scheduled clash against Kiamran Nabati, Nabil Anane will now face Nico Carrillo in an interim title fight, and that hasn't altered his mindset heading into the contest.
He told ONE Championship in a recent interview that the world championship is his focus and that's what changes his approach rather than a specific opponent:
"The thing that gives me more pressure is the belt. I want the belt. Pressure from the opponent? Not really, for me. In my opinion, every fighter has got a different style. It's just how the game plan goes and how you prepare yourself."
Nabil Anane has earned this opportunity
Nabil Anane was certainly the right man in the right place at the right time.
He's not only one of the top contenders in the division due to his highly impressive five-fight winning streak, he was already booked on the card against a different opponent.
Having him go toe-to-toe with Nico Carrillo in a highly anticipated fight was a no brainer but that's partly due to the hard work that the young Thai-Algerian firecracker has put in over recent years.
He worked to get himself into a position where he could take advantage of this huge opportunity and it has paid off for him.
On Jan. 24, he will look to capture ONE gold for the first time. ONE 170 will be available at watch.onefc.com.
