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The announcement that reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, Superlek Kiatmoo9, will not compete in the highly anticipated ONE 170 event, originally set for January 24, 2025, at Bangkok’s Impact Arena, has sent shockwaves through the Muay Thai community.
Forced to withdraw due to a knee injury, Superlek’s absence reshapes the landscape of the bantamweight division while providing an opportunity for other top contenders to shine.
Superlek’s dominance in the sport was cemented with a decisive first-round knockout victory over Jonathan Haggerty in September 2024, a performance that solidified his status as one of Muay Thai’s elite fighters.
He was initially slated to defend his title against Scotland’s Nico “King of the North” Carrillo, a hard-hitting contender known for his aggressive fighting style and penchant for finishing fights.
With Superlek sidelined, ONE Championship swiftly reconfigured the event, setting up an interim title bout between Carrillo and rising star Nabil Anane.
The 20-year-old phenom, standing at an impressive 6-foot-4, has been a standout in the division, amassing a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over notable names such as Nakrob Fairtex and Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai.
The interim title fight presents a clash of contrasting styles. Carrillo, a knockout artist, has built a fearsome reputation with victories over elite opponents such as Muangthai PK Saenchai, Nong-O Hama, and Saemapetch Fairtex.
His power and relentless pressure make him a formidable challenge for any competitor. Meanwhile, Anane’s towering frame, unorthodox techniques, and youthful energy offer a stark contrast. Despite his relative inexperience, Anane’s ability to outmaneuver opponents with precision and creativity has made him one of the division’s most exciting prospects.
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This fight holds immense stakes beyond the interim championship. The winner is guaranteed a unification bout with Superlek at ONE 172, scheduled for March 23, 2025, in Japan. This showdown will determine the undisputed Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, adding further significance to an already monumental clash.
Also read: Nico Carrillo Promises to Light Up the World in 2025
Despite the disappointment of Superlek’s absence, the reshaped ONE 170 card promises to deliver high-octane action. Headlining the event is the rematch between Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai and former titleholder Superbon Singha Mawynn, a contest that is expected to be another classic encounter.
The interim title fight between Carrillo and Anane is poised to be a defining moment for the bantamweight division. As the event approaches, fans are eager to see which fighter will rise to the occasion and secure their place as the division’s new interim champion.
Whether it’s Carrillo’s seasoned power or Anane’s youthful brilliance, the bout is set to be a thrilling spectacle that adds another chapter to ONE Championship’s legacy of showcasing world-class martial arts.
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