Superlek vs. Nabil Anane 2: A Battle for Redemption and Supremacy at ONE 172

The highly anticipated rematch between reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 and interim titleholder Nabil Anane is set to take center stage at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23 at the legendary Saitama Super Arena in Japan.

This monumental World Title unification bout promises to be a showdown for the ages, as Anane seeks redemption against the only man to defeat him in ONE Championship.

Superlek's Dominance and Anane's Road to Redemption

Their first encounter in 2023 was a stark introduction to the elite level of ONE Championship for Nabil Anane. At just 19 years old, the towering Thai-Algerian phenom stepped into the ring with Superlek, a two-sport, two-pision world champion widely regarded as one of the most devastating strikers in Muay Thai history.

It was a lesson in power and experience, as Superlek needed just over two minutes to finish Anane via knockout, halting the young star's meteoric rise in dramatic fashion. However, that loss became the catalyst for a transformation in Anane's career. Since then, he has amassed an impressive six-fight win streak, showcasing refined technique, improved fight IQ, and greater adaptability in the small 4-ounce gloves.

Most notably, his recent victory over Scottish powerhouse Nico Carrillo cemented his status as a top contender and earned him the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship. Now, with confidence surging and a thirst for revenge, Anane steps into the biggest fight of his career.

Anane Credits Team For Incredible Success

Nabil Anane knows that his training and preparations must be perfect if he plans to defeat Superlek Kiatmoo9 on March 23.

After all, the Thai megastar is a two-sport, two-pision ONE World Champion who is recognized by many as the planet's top pound-for-pound striker.

Anane, though, is finding confidence in the team that's preparing him for ONE 172. Speaking to ONE Championship, he shared:

“Once you are in the ring, it's just you and your opponent, for sure. But before that, you must work with your team.

“When you are in the gym, when you are at home and everything, you are not alone. You got your people behind you. Got them pushing you, pushing you every day.”

For the young phenom, his team is much more than just sparring partners and a pad man.

He certainly gets in solid work with head coach Medhi Zatout and others in the gym, but he also leans on the unending support of his parents.

Anane's climb to the top of the Muay Thai world, he said, has been anything but a lonely journey. He told the ONE Championship website:

“My father is always here watching me train. Chris Foster, he is here holding pads for me. Medhi is also holding pads for me. My mom, she cooks for me every day, lunch and dinner.

“And all of the supporters that support me, that were with me even when I was down, when I was the underdog, they were also with me.”

Superlek: The Kicking Machine's Reign

Superlek is a YOKKAO Fight Team-sponsored athlete who has been training in his hometown of Buriram at the prestigious Kiatmoo9 Gym. His roots in traditional Muay Thai, combined with world-class training and support from YOKKAO, have shaped him into one of the most formidable strikers in the sport.

Superlek is not just a champion; he is a force of nature in the Muay Thai world. Holding world titles in two pisions, he has carved a path of destruction with his signature kicks, precise elbows, and exceptional fight IQ.

His victory over Anane in their first fight reaffirmed his status as one of the sport's most dangerous competitors. However, the defending champion is aware that his challenger is no longer the same wide-eyed debutant he faced two years ago. Superlek has remained dominant, but he will need to adapt to Anane's improvements and hunger for vengeance.

The Stakes at ONE 172

Beyond the glory of unifying the bantamweight Muay Thai world title, this fight carries deeper implications. For Superlek, it is a chance to solidify his legacy as one of the all-time greats. For Anane, it is an opportunity to avenge his only loss in ONE Championship and prove that he belongs among the elite.

Unlike their first fight, where Superlek was the overwhelming favorite, this rematch has a different aura. Anane is entering the ring with momentum, confidence, and a refined skill set. Meanwhile, Superlek will look to remind the world why he is called “The Kicking Machine” and why he has held onto his championship gold.

As the countdown to ONE 172 continues, fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying clash of two elite strikers. Will Superlek once again showcase his dominance, or will Anane complete his journey of redemption and claim the undisputed title?

On March 23, the answer will be revealed inside the Saitama Super Arena.