The bantamweight kickboxing division is set for a seismic shift as Muay Thai sensation Nabil Anane makes his highly anticipated kickboxing debut against former Flyweight champion Ilias Ennahachi. This clash at ONE Friday Fights 126 isn`t just a fight; it`s a statement, a gamble, and a direct path toward the divisional throne currently held by Johnathan Haggerty.
The Colossal Challenge: Nabil Anane Steps into the Kickboxing Ring
Nabil Anane, the current ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai champion, is nothing short of a force of nature. At a towering 6-foot-2, he presents a unique challenge in the bantamweight division, a weight class not typically known for such imposing stature. His recent dominant victory over the legendary Superlek in Muay Thai, which served as potent revenge for a prior knockout loss, cemented his reputation as a world-class striker. That performance, where he systematically outmaneuvered a formidable opponent, showcased not just his raw power but also his tactical intelligence and composure under pressure.
Now, Anane is choosing to venture into the structured world of kickboxing, a discipline with subtly different rules and rhythms. This isn`t a cautious entry; it`s a headfirst dive into the deep end, immediately facing a seasoned kickboxer with undisputed championship pedigree. One might even call it a bold, perhaps audacious, strategic move. Or, as some pundits quietly muse, an ultimate test of his versatility – a true “welcome to kickboxing” moment, orchestrated by a former champion.
The Slick Maestro Returns: Ilias Ennahachi`s Quest for Gold
On the other side of the canvas stands Ilias Ennahachi, a name synonymous with speed, precision, and defensive mastery. The Dutch-Moroccan fighter, a former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, is making his awaited return to the circle. Ennahachi`s fighting style is characterized by lightning-fast combinations, exceptional footwork, and an almost uncanny ability to evade damage while setting up devastating counters. He is a defensive wizard who can turn an opponent`s aggression into their undoing, forcing them to chase shadows.
After a hiatus, Ennahachi returns with a clear objective: to reclaim championship glory, albeit in a heavier division. His experience at the elite level of kickboxing is undeniable, having navigated countless high-pressure situations. This makes him the quintessential gatekeeper – or perhaps, the ultimate welcome committee – for any rising star seeking to make an indelible impact in the bantamweight division.
A Tactical Chess Match: Power vs. Precision
The Anane-Ennahachi bout is a fascinating study in contrasts, a true clash of titans, albeit in different styles. It pits Anane`s Muay Thai-honed offensive prowess against Ennahachi`s defensively sound, slick kickboxing. Anane will undoubtedly leverage his significant reach and power, aiming to overwhelm Ennahachi with heavy blows, pressure, and the sheer physicality of his frame. His long limbs, adapted from years in Muay Thai, could be a formidable weapon in controlling distance and landing devastating kicks and punches.
Ennahachi, however, thrives on disrupting such plans. His defensive footwork and head movement are engineered to create angles, make opponents miss, and then punish them with crisp, accurate counters. The core challenge for Anane will be to penetrate Ennahachi`s almost impenetrable defense without overextending, while Ennahachi`s task will be to nullify Anane`s reach and power, drawing him into exchanges where his speed and timing can dictate the pace.
“This isn`t just about who hits harder, or who moves faster. It`s about who can impose their game plan in a high-stakes arena, unfamiliar territory for one, and a battleground for the other where a championship was once forged.”
The Road to Johnathan Haggerty`s Throne
Beyond the immediate excitement of this stylistic clash, the implications for the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Championship are profound. Both Anane and Ennahachi are not just fighting for a win; they are fighting for a direct line to Johnathan Haggerty`s coveted title. Haggerty, a formidable champion himself, will undoubtedly be watching this contest closely, understanding that his next challenger could very well emerge from this pivotal showdown. The stakes could not be higher.
The bantamweight division in ONE Championship is undeniably heating up. With other high-profile bouts like Yuki Yoza vs. Superlek at ONE 173, and Tawanchai facing Liu Mengyang on the same ONE Friday Fights card, the landscape is shifting rapidly. Each victory, especially one as significant as Anane vs. Ennahachi, reshuffles the deck and brings new, legitimate contenders into sharp focus.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Encounter
ONE Friday Fights 126 promises an evening of compelling combat, and the Nabil Anane vs. Ilias Ennahachi bout stands out as a genuine main event. It`s a clash that embodies the thrilling unpredictability of combat sports: a rising Muay Thai star risking it all in a new discipline against a returning kickboxing master eager to remind the world of his prowess. For fans, it`s an unparalleled opportunity to witness raw power meet refined technique, all with the glittering prize of a world title shot hanging tantalizingly in the balance. Prepare for fireworks; this is a fight that promises to deliver.
Gareth Fenton 
Ellis Thorne