ONE Friday Fights 126: 9-Time World Champion Targets Thrilling Return

Ilias Ennahachi understands the magnitude of competing in one of combat sports’ most iconic venues. “It is an honor to fight in one of the most famous stadiums in the world,” he said. “The atmosphere there gives me energy and fulfillment, and it constantly reminds me why I chose this sport.”

That electric atmosphere will matter when the bell rings, but the 28-year-old veteran isn’t banking on nostalgia to overcome a younger, rangier opponent. He’s drawing strength from something far more immediate.

“Aside from the fact that I am still undefeated in kickboxing at ONE, my vision of fighting is different from Nabil’s,” Ilias Ennahachi explained. “I fight for my children and my family — that is where I draw the most strength. And of course, Allah SWT will always be with me, and my trust is in Him.”

Tale of the Tape — ONE Friday Fights 126: Ilias Ennahachi vs. Nabil Anane

What’s at Stake at ONE Friday Fights 126 for Ilias Ennahachi and Nabil Anane

The matchup embodies the classic veteran-versus-prospect narrative. Nabil Anane, standing 6’2″ at just 20 years old, represents bantamweight’s emerging generation. He has already built a reputation in Muay Thai, capturing a WBC world title at 17 and rising through ONE’s bantamweight ranks with aggressive, rangy striking.

Ennahachi brings proven championship DNA. He captured the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title in 2019, halting Petchdam Petchyindee Academy by knockout, then defended the belt against elite challengers Wang Wenfeng and Superlek Kiatmuu9. Ultimately, he vacated the title after struggling with the demands of the flyweight hydration system, choosing instead to move up to bantamweight.

Now operating at a heavier weight, Ennahachi remains a tactical puzzle. He controls tempo with precision footwork, disrupts rhythm with patient counters, and capitalizes on the smallest defensive lapses. Against Anane’s youth and six-inch reach advantage, those weapons become even more critical.

This bout transcends stylistic matchmaking. For Ennahachi, it’s an opportunity to derail a rising contender while reestablishing himself as championship material in a second division. That sense of urgency permeates his message to supporters worldwide.

“I am truly grateful to the fans in Europe and Asia for their trust and support,” Ennahachi said. “And I promise that during the fight, I will not let them down.”

A Promise That Spans Continents

For a fighter who developed his craft in Utrecht’s demanding gyms before collecting world titles across Enfusion, WFL, and BLADE, that promise is more than promotional language. It connects two continents of loyal followers and underlines the role of faith and family in his career.

Ilias Ennahachi’s resume already stands as one of the sport’s most decorated: nine world titles, a perfect ONE Championship kickboxing record, and victories over some of the best strikers of his generation. Yet he speaks less about accolades and more about responsibility — to his children, to his supporters, and to himself.

At Lumpinee Stadium, under the blazing lights of ONE Friday Night Fights 126, Ilias Ennahachi intends to deliver on every word.

Reporting Note

This article includes direct interview responses from Ilias Ennahachi, conducted via written Q&A on September 21, 2025. Quotes appear as submitted, with light edits for clarity