Nabil Anane has conquered every challenge Muay Thai could offer, but his ultimate test arrives September 26 when he steps into unfamiliar territory against a former titleholder hungry for redemption.

The undisputed ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion will make his kickboxing debut against former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi at ONE Friday Fights 126, broadcasting live from Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium. The cross-discipline collision represents Anane’s first step toward two-sport supremacy.

The 21-year-old Algerian-Thai phenomenon has transformed from crushing defeat into championship dominance in less than two years, creating one of combat sports’ most compelling redemption narratives. His journey began with heartbreak when Superlek Kiatmoo9 demolished him in under three minutes during his June 2023 promotional debut.

Most fighters never recover from such devastating introductions, but Anane channeled that humiliation into fuel for an incredible seven-fight winning streak. His ascent reached its peak when he obliterated Scottish destroyer Nico Carrillo via first-round knockout at ONE 170, claiming interim bantamweight Muay Thai gold while announcing his arrival among elite strikers.

But redemption remained incomplete until he faced the man who had shattered his dreams. The Superlek rematch at ONE 172 became Anane’s defining moment, as the towering 6-foot-4 striker systematically dismantled “The Kicking Machine” through beautiful combinations and a vicious head kick that dropped the pound-for-pound great.

That unanimous decision victory completed one of the sport’s most remarkable transformations, elevating Anane from humbled prospect to undisputed champion. Now he seeks to prove that dominance translates across disciplines.

But kickboxing presents entirely different challenges than Muay Thai warfare. The technical demands, different glove requirements, and altered rule sets create obstacles that have derailed many champions who attempted two-sport success.

Ennahachi understands those complexities better than most. The 29-year-old Dutch-Moroccan technician built his reputation through flyweight kickboxing excellence, successfully defending his belt twice.

His 2023 decision to relinquish the flyweight crown and move to bantamweight demonstrated the kind of professional maturity that separates survivors from casualties. Rather than destroying his growing body chasing an impossible weight, Ennahachi embraced change while maintaining championship ambitions.

The transition has proved to be a good one. His bantamweight debut delivered immediate validation through a first-round finish of Iran’s Aliasghar Ghodratisaraskan at ONE Friday Fights 6, proving his power translated effectively to the heavier division.

His technical masterpiece against fellow former world champion Hiroki Akimoto at ONE Friday Fights 81 showcased the signature footwork and elusiveness that made him flyweight royalty. The unanimous decision victory earned him the #2 ranking while extending his perfect ONE record to 5-0.

Now the S&B Gym standout faces the opportunity to derail a champion’s two-sport dreams while positioning himself for another title run. His veteran savvy against Anane’s exceptional reach and power creates the kind of stylistic collision that determines championship futures.

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