‘I Proved Myself’ – Nabil Anane Thrilled With Statement Win Over Felipe Lobo At ONE Fight Night 24
Nabil Anane picked up another huge victory at ONE Fight Night 24 on Prime Video, proving he is one of the hottest rising stars in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
The 20-year-old defeated #3-ranked Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo in his U.S. primetime debut this past Friday, August 2, extending his win streak to four in the world’s largest martial arts organization.
Anane didn’t just barely get past the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger either – he dominated the Brazilian for three rounds en route to a clear-cut unanimous decision.
Thrilled with his latest successful outing at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, Anane said:
“This is one of the biggest wins in my life, because it’s in one of the biggest promotions in the world, the best of the best like Yodchatri [Sityodtong, ONE Chairman and CEO] said. [Lobo was] ranked number three in ONE Championship. So I’m very proud of myself. I’m proud of my team.
“Thank you so much to the fans. I have nothing much to say, but I thank you guys a lot. If I didn’t have you guys, I wouldn’t be here. Thank you to everyone who supports me.”
The win felt even better because some had doubted whether this was the right time for Anane to step up against the division’s top tier.
However, after taking wins over Muay Thai World Champions Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai and Muangthai PK Saenchai recently, the young Algerian-Thai striker knew he had the skills to silence the doubters.
“Many people were surprised that I was fighting the guy ranked number three. Many people said I’m not on his level. I proved myself.
“I feel sorry for him, but this is the game. We have got to do our best in the ring. Everyone wants to be the best.”
Anane Willing To Wait And Build Toward ONE World Title
Given the dominant nature of his win over #3-ranked Felipe Lobo, Nabil Anane is now in the mix with the bantamweight Muay Thai division’s upper echelon.
Still, the humble Team Mehdi Zatout athlete is not getting ahead of himself and believes he still has work to do before he goes for gold.
Anane explained:
“I have got a lot of things to learn, more and more. Step by step. I always say this to everyone. There’s no rush. I have got a lot of time. [I have] many things to improve.
“When I [am ready to] get the belt, I will tell you. But for now, I want to learn more. I want to have more experience, and when I’m ready, I’ll be the World Champion, and I don’t want anyone to beat me.”
So, although Anane will watch on with interest as Jonathan Haggerty puts his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on the line against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver on September 6, he’s not throwing his name in the hat just yet.
He’s content to keep building himself up against the other contenders, but he doesn’t have his eyes on anyone in particular.
“For now, [I have no thoughts on the next opponent]. Me and my brother Mehdi Zatout will work together, and we’ll figure it out.”
