Nabil Anane (Thai: นาบิล อานาน; born April 30, 2004) is a Thai and French Muay Thai fighter who has quickly risen to prominence in the sport.
Early Life and Training
He began training in martial arts at the age of 7, starting with Taekwondo and Karate. At the age of 11, he began training in Muay Thai at the Petchrungruang camp.
Recent Achievements
As of June 2025, the World Muay Thai Organization (WMTO) lists him in their top 15 pound-for-pound fighter list. For the Welterweight division (147 lbs/66.678 kg), the WMTO currently ranks Nabil as the number one ranked welterweight.
Key Fights and Events
- June 12, 2022: Nabil faced Chorfah Tor.Sangtiennoi at the Muaydee VitheeThai + Jitmuangnon event at the Or.Tor.Gor3 Stadium.
- 2022: Nabil participated in the Rajadamnern World Series in the 126 lbs division.
- March 23, 2025: Nabil faced Superlek Kiatmuu9 in a rematch for the unification of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship at ONE 172.
At ONE 172, Superlek missed weight (146.25 lb) and was stripped of the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
"Best Muay Thai Hybrid Fighter" Award
When the Sports Writers Association of Thailand created its “Best Muay Thai Hybrid Fighter” award last year, it signaled a shift in the sport.
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In 2024, the man with the coolest hat in Muay Thai ripped through Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai, Felipe Lobo, and Soe Lin Oo in a span of just three months, earning him this hybrid version of an award four decades old.
To understand the significance of Anane’s achievement, one must look back to the award’s beginnings. Every year thereafter, the organization awarded the trophy to the fighter(s) in Thailand they deemed the best, and the criteria was always the same.
The writers looked at not whether a fighter had won a stadium title but how often they fought, who they fought, and how well they did. To win meant you were considered the best of the best.
Fast forward three-and-a-half decades later and COVID-19 brought Muay Thai to a screeching halt. Due to the lack of fights, the association didn’t award anyone the trophy in 2019. Then, suddenly, the sport was born again.
At first, the Sports Writers Association resisted the change that Muay Thai was going through. But as more of Thailand’s best fighters began signing with promotions like ONE Championship, the association couldn’t deny where Muay Thai was heading.
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Anane, then, is only the second recipient of the title. He embodies entertainment Muay Thai. There is no doubt that the gatekeepers of these awards finally appreciate where the sport is heading, and Anane appreciates them right back.
“I feel incredibly happy and honored to receive the ‘Best Muay Thai Hybrid Fighter’ award,” he said. “I want to thank all the fans, as well as my family and friends, who have always supported me and stood by my side. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today."
The Evolution of Muay Thai Styles
Hybrid Fighting Style
Fans began to catch glimpses of a fighter whose style would define the new generation of Muay Thai - a style that included techniques from traditional Muay Thai with added flare to fit the entertainment format.
Key Statistics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Nabil Anane |
| Nationality | Thai and French |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 2004 |
| WMTO Ranking | Top 15 pound-for-pound |
| Welterweight Ranking | Number 1 |
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