In a dramatic turn of events leading up to ONE Championship 172, the highly anticipated bantamweight Muay Thai title fight between Nabil Anane and Superlek has been transformed into a three-round, non-title match. This significant change occurred when Superlek failed to meet hydration requirements during the official weigh-ins, resulting in him losing his championship belt.
This bout, hailing from the Saitama Super Arena in Japan, was scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, and marked a crucial moment for both fighters. Nabil Anane, the interim champion, now faces a pivotal challenge without a chance to unify the title. The 20-year-old competitor was poised to become the undisputed king of the bantamweight division, but the circumstances have changed dramatically.
According to Chatri Sityodtong, CEO of ONE Championship, "Superlek has been stripped of his world title due to missing hydration and weight." This statement reflects the promotion's unwavering commitment to athlete safety, a principle that is becoming more prominent under scrutiny. In relation to the changes, Sityodtong noted, "The fans can expect an absolute war tomorrow night," suggesting that even without the title on the line, the stakes remain high for an electrifying matchup.
The hydration testing protocol, while criticized by some for its strictness, forms a foundational aspect of the safety measures within ONE Championship. "Though it creates more uncertainty at times, hydration remains an important part of ONE’s safety process to ensure that our athletes’ health is always the highest priority," Sityodtong further elaborated.
Besides Superlek, the weigh-ins had repercussions for several other fighters. Two additional competitors also failed hydration tests, while Marat Grigorian experienced difficulties providing a sample within the allotted timeframe. Nevertheless, adjustments were made to ensure that all affected fighters could proceed with their respective bouts after reaching catchweight agreements.
Nabil Anane's acceptance of 30% of Superlek’s purse has cast a spotlight on the financial implications of such events in mixed martial arts. It underscores the reality that significant fights often come with high stakes that extend beyond titles and glory, entering the realm of financial negotiations, especially when title belts hang in the balance.
This situation evokes echoes of the past, where several champions, including Rodtang and John Lineker, lost their titles because of similar hydration failures. The ONE Championship has created a unique narrative within the combat sports realm, where the significance of weight management must be meticulously adhered to, adding layers of complexity to fight preparation.
As the fighters step into the ring on March 23, both competitors have their own motivations, with Anane looking to prove himself on an even larger stage despite the title’s absence. Their fans anticipate a thrilling display of skill and determination, with Anane looking to solidify his position as a formidable force in the division.
In a world filled with unpredictability, the bout promises to deliver intriguing narratives as it unfolds. The question remains: can Nabil Anane rise above the circumstances to showcase his talent against a fighter who once held the championship? As analysts speculate about the long-term impact of this matchup, all eyes will be glued to the ring, eagerly awaiting to see how these dynamics play out.
