Marat Grigorian’s skepticism about Superlek achieving another knockout victory over Anane is well-founded
Fighters evolve, and Anane’s growth since their first encounter has been remarkable. Superlek remains the favorite, but this will likely be a much tougher challenge than before.
Ultimately, the question remains—can Superlek find a way to overcome the new and improved Anane, or will the young Algerian-Thai fighter shock the world and become the undisputed bantamweight Muay Thai king? We’ll find out on March 23 at ONE 172.
Regardless of the outcome, this fight will be a must-watch for any combat sports fan, as two of the best strikers in the world go head-to-head in what promises to be an unforgettable clash.
ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang will take place on Sunday, March 23, at the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. Fans eager to catch the action can visit watch.onefc.com for information on how to watch the event live.
With an exciting lineup of bouts, including the highly anticipated clash between Marat Grigorian and Kaito Ono, ONE 172 is set to deliver another unforgettable night of martial arts action.
Also Read: Marat Grigorian: Trained with Superbon’s Style Emulators for Fight Day, Bio, Career and Practice
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Marat Grigorian: Highly Anticipated Rematch at ONE 172
The Muay Thai world is buzzing as Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Nabil Anane prepare to meet once again inside the ring at ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang on March 23.1
This monumental event, set to take place at the iconic Saitama Super Arena in Japan, features five massive world title fights, but few are generating as much intrigue as the battle between Superlek and Anane.
This time, the stakes are even higher. Superlek enters the contest as the reigning ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion, while Anane steps in as the interim titleholder.
The winner of this showdown will leave Japan as the undisputed king of the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
However, according to elite kickboxer Marat Grigorian, the outcome may not be as clear-cut as their first meeting.
Everybody has a game plan, but the plan changes after the first punch. @corhemmers #Armenia #kickboxing #history pic.twitter.com/RavSahEXix
— Marat Grigorian (@MaratGrigorian) February 13, 2025
A Flashback to Their First Encounter
Nearly two years ago at ONE Friday Fights 22, Superlek stunned the Muay Thai world by knocking out Anane in the first round.
At the time, the Algerian-Thai fighter was making his promotional debut, and many believed he was overwhelmed by the experience of facing an elite-level striker like Superlek.
But Anane has since evolved, racking up six straight victories, including a remarkable title-winning performance against Nico Carrillo.
His growth and resilience have impressed many, including Grigorian, who believes the rematch will be an entirely different challenge for Superlek.
Marat Grigorian’s Take on the Rematch
Marat Grigorian, a well-respected figure in the striking world, weighed in on the upcoming clash during an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA.2
“I like how Superlek fights,” Grigorian said. “Beautiful and artistic. However, Nabil has improved a lot in his last fight. So it’s going to be tough [for him to beat Anane].”
Grigorian’s comments highlight a key factor in combat sports—adaptation. While Superlek remains one of the most technically gifted Muay Thai fighters on the planet, Anane’s rapid evolution could present a significant challenge for him this time around.
The Evolution of Nabil Anane
At just 20 years old, Nabil Anane has undergone a remarkable transformation in a short period. His six-fight win streak has showcased his ability to adjust, develop new strategies, and refine his already impressive striking arsenal.
One of Anane’s most notable attributes is his towering 6’4″ frame—an unusual advantage in the bantamweight division.
His reach and height provide him with the tools to keep opponents at bay while delivering devastating knees, elbows, and kicks from a distance.
In his fight against Nico Carrillo, Anane demonstrated improved ring IQ, patience, and an ability to execute a disciplined game plan. If he carries these improvements into his rematch against Superlek, the Thai superstar will face a much tougher puzzle to solve than he did in their first encounter.
Superlek’s Strategy: Can He Overcome a New and Improved Anane?
Superlek has long been known for his precision, technique, and fight IQ. His ability to blend power and finesse makes him one of the most dangerous strikers in Muay Thai.
However, his path to victory in the rematch won’t be as straightforward as it was in their first meeting.
One of the key challenges for Superlek will be navigating Anane’s range. If he allows Anane to dictate the pace and maintain distance, he could find himself struggling to land the clean shots he thrives on.
To overcome this, he will likely need to close the gap efficiently, utilizing head movement and feints to get inside before unleashing his signature combinations.
Additionally, Superlek may look to incorporate clinch work into his game plan. While Anane’s long limbs make him a threat from the outside, Superlek’s experience in the clinch could neutralize some of that advantage, allowing him to land knees and elbows up close.
What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?
For Superlek, this fight represents an opportunity to cement his legacy as the undisputed bantamweight Muay Thai world champion. A victory would further solidify his status as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport.
For Anane, this is a chance to prove that he is no longer the inexperienced fighter who fell to Superlek two years ago.
A win would not only avenge his previous defeat but also establish him as the new face of the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
This fight is a dream matchup for Muay Thai enthusiasts. On one side, you have Superlek’s technical brilliance, refined through years of experience at the highest level. On the other, Anane brings youthful explosiveness, unorthodox techniques, and the ability to disrupt traditional Muay Thai styles.
Fans can expect a battle filled with high-level striking, strategy, and possibly an intense war of attrition. Whether Superlek repeats his previous knockout or Anane pulls off an upset, this fight promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters in recent memory.
Also Read: Takeru’s Fearless Spirit: Preparing for Thant Zin in the Ring
Marat Grigorian Set to Battle Kaito Ono at ONE 172
A High-Stakes Clash in the Featherweight Division
ONE Championship is set to deliver another electrifying event with ONE 172: Takeru vs. Rodtang.3
Among the highly anticipated bouts on the card, kickboxing superstar Marat Grigorian will take on Japanese sensation Kaito Ono in a thrilling featherweight showdown.
With both fighters bringing an impressive resume and a hunger for victory, fans can expect fireworks when these two enter the ring.
With both fighters bringing different strengths to the table, this bout is shaping up to be a compelling contest.
Grigorian’s power and experience give him a clear advantage, but Ono’s speed and technical striking could pose problems if he can control the distance.
Fans should expect a fast-paced battle with plenty of striking exchanges. If Grigorian can impose his pressure game early, he may find an opening for another knockout victory. However, if Ono can weather the storm and execute a strategic game plan, he has the tools to pull off an upset.
The Bigger Picture: ONE Championship’s Growth in Japan
ONE 172 marks another major event in Japan, showcasing the promotion’s continued expansion into the country’s combat sports market.
Japan has a rich history in kickboxing, with legendary organizations like K-1 shaping the sport’s evolution.
ONE Championship’s presence provides Japanese fighters with a global stage to showcase their talents, while also offering international competitors the opportunity to compete in front of a passionate audience.
The inclusion of fighters like Kaito Ono on the card highlights ONE’s commitment to elevating homegrown talent while pitting them against some of the best in the world.
As the promotion continues to grow, matchups like Grigorian vs. Ono serve as prime examples of the high-caliber fights fans can expect.
Marat Grigorian: Who Is He?
A Kickboxing Veteran
Marat Grigorian is no stranger to high-level competition. The Armenian-Belgian fighter has built a formidable reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.
As a former three-time GLORY Kickboxing champion, Grigorian has consistently faced and defeated elite competition.
Despite splitting his last six bouts, Grigorian enters ONE 172 riding high on momentum. His most recent performance at ONE Friday Fights 92 saw him deliver a devastating second-round knockout over Abdelali Zahidi.
That victory not only reaffirmed his striking prowess but also reminded fans why he remains a force in the featherweight kickboxing division.
The Newcomer: Kaito Ono’s Shot at Greatness
While Grigorian brings a wealth of experience, Kaito Ono enters the contest as a rising star with a point to prove. The Japanese fighter has already made a name for himself in his home country, securing titles in both Shoot Boxing and Rise.
Stepping into the ONE Championship ring for the first time, Ono faces a daunting challenge against one of the most battle-hardened strikers in the sport.
However, with his technical skill set and aggressive style, Ono has the potential to make a significant impact in his promotional debut. A victory over Grigorian would immediately establish him as a top contender in the division.
Marat Grigorian’s Path to Victory
- Pressure Fighting – Grigorian is known for his relentless forward pressure, suffocating opponents with volume and power shots. If he can dictate the pace and push Ono onto the back foot, he will have a strong advantage.
- Experience Edge – With over 80 professional fights, Grigorian has seen it all. His ability to adapt mid-fight and remain composed in high-pressure situations will be key.
- Power and Precision – Grigorian’s knockout of Zahidi showcased his ability to end fights with a single shot. His precise striking, especially in close-range exchanges, makes him a dangerous opponent.
Kaito Ono’s Keys to Success
- Speed and Movement – Ono’s striking style relies on speed and agility. If he can use his footwork to stay out of Grigorian’s range while landing quick combinations, he may frustrate the veteran fighter.
- Counterstriking – Given Grigorian’s aggressive style, Ono could look to capitalize on openings with well-timed counterstrikes, particularly with kicks and knees.
- Home Crowd Advantage – Fighting in Japan, Ono will have the support of the hometown crowd. This could provide an extra boost of motivation and energy to push through adversity.
The Stakes for the Featherweight Division
This matchup holds significant implications for the featherweight kickboxing division. A win for Grigorian could propel him closer to a title shot, reaffirming his status as one of the top contenders.
On the other hand, an upset victory for Ono would immediately shake up the rankings and establish him as a rising star in ONE Championship.
With Takeru vs. Rodtang headlining the event, the featherweight division is under the spotlight, and Grigorian vs. Ono will add another layer of intrigue to an already stacked card.
Also Read: Kickboxing Star Takeru Anticipates a Clash of Styles in Superbon vs. Marat Grigorian Showdown
