‘I Think He Will Get The Win’ — Nabil Anane Breaks Down Superlek Vs. Yuki Yoza At ONE 173

21-year-old Algerian-Thai phenom Nabil Anane has experienced what it’s like to be in the ring with “The Kicking Machine” Superlek, and he believes Japanese kickboxing icon Yuki Yoza is worthy of standing in the eye of the storm.

Superlek and Yoza are set to face off at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri, live from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, November 16. Additionally on that same card, Anane himself will defend his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

But before Anane puts his gold on the line against the British sensation, the Algerian-Thai star will be watching Superlek and Yoza closely, in a bout that could change the pecking order in ONE Championship’s stacked bantamweight kickboxing division.

Having shared the ring with “The Kicking Machine” twice in his career, Anane understands the precision, timing, and composure that make the Thai icon so dangerous. Yet as a student of the game, he also recognizes Yoza’s explosiveness and believes the Japanese standout has the tools to create problems.

He said:

“Yoza can knock down Superlek. I think he will get the win [if he can] knock down or knock out Superlek, you know. But if he can’t, I think Superlek will get the win by points.”

Superlek hails from the fighting heartland of Buriram, where Muay Thai is more than a sport — it’s a way of life.

Known for his calm precision and ability to read opponents like an open book, the Thai superstar has built his reputation on timing and patience rather than brute force, defeating iconic opponents like Rodtang “The Iron Man” Jitmuangnon with his guile and cunning, as well as surging contenders such as Kongthoranee Sor Sommai.

Superlek is the former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion himself who currently holds the flyweight kickboxing gold. His skill set has long been the benchmark for technical excellence in striking.

On the other side, there’s a rhythm to how Yuki Yoza fights — a mix of speed, weight, and intent. Each step forward carries the echo of Japan’s fighting halls where he has honed his craft.

At ONE Friday Fights 109, the 27-year-old unleashed calf kicks that crashed like drumbeats against Elbrus “The Samurai” Osmanov. His combinations have flowed without pause since joining the world’s largest martial arts organization, and that same rhythm continues to pull the Japanese star closer to greatness.

But this is an intriguing clash of styles, and Anane believes that while Yoza’s unique skills could shape the fight, the Thai veteran may ultimately get the nod:

“Yuki Yoza has low kicks, you know, Japanese style. Superlek has good middle kick, also low kick. I think Superlek’s got better timing, and Yuki’s got a little more power. But Superlek has better timing, so I’ll give it to Superlek.”

Anane Eyes Bantamweight Kickboxing Gold After ONE 173

As Nabil Anane prepares for his important Muay Thai World Title defense against Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 173 on November 16, he’s also thinking ahead to conquering his next frontier — kickboxing.

The 6-foot-4 phenom made his kickboxing debut this past September at ONE Friday Fights 126, where he stunned the crowd with his seamless transition between sports and proved his lethal combination of height, reach, and aggression was as potent as ever in a different rule set.

Facing second-ranked bantamweight kickboxing contender Ilias Ennahachi, the Algerian–Thai prodigy displayed sharp boxing, powerful striking sequences, and even scored a knockdown.

But despite the bout ending in a no contest due to an accidental low blow, that performance reaffirmed Anane’s belief that his long-term path runs through multiple divisions and combat disciplines.

The reigning Muay Thai king has already expressed his goal of collecting World Titles across Muay Thai and kickboxing, from bantamweight to lightweight, which is why he’s keeping a close eye on the upcoming matchup between Superlek and Yuki Yoza.

Anane said:

“Maybe a few more matches [before I get a kickboxing World Title shot], because I won’t be the next challenge for the title. I think between Superlek or Yuki Yoza, whoever wins, I think they will have a chance to fight for the title before me. Maybe I’m next, or maybe in three or five fights I will have a chance.”