Third-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai contender Felipe Lobo is looking to get back on the winning track after a failed World Title challenge against two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty at ONE Fight Night 19 earlier this year. He will face the Algerian-Thai phenom Nabil Anane in a bantamweight Muay Thai match at ONE Fight Night 24, airing on US primetime on August 2nd.

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Felipe Lobo discussed his upcoming fight against the 6’3″ Nabil Anane. Emphasizing the challenge of fighting taller opponents, the 5’8″ Lobo revealed his intentions for the fight and his overall promotional plans. He stated, “I’ve never fought tall guys but nothing changes. I am training to beat everyone in the division.

Felipe Lobo debuted in the promotion in 2020 with back-to-back wins over two months against tough competition in Yodpanomrung Jitmuangnon and Rodlek PK Saenchai. He was rewarded with a World Title shot against Nong-O Hama at ONE X back in March 2022, but he suffered a knockout in the third round. He re-established himself as a legitimate contender for the belt in his next bout, pulling off a third-round knockout of his own against the always-tough Saemapetch Fairtex. This led to a heated second World Title challenge against Haggerty, where he started out strong, but would ultimately fail to capture the coveted title.

Despite his twin setbacks for ONE gold, his passion for the belt remains undiminished. He intends to take care of business against Nabil Anane in hopes of improving his ranking.

However, the 20-year-old Nabil Anane is no less impressive. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak, he is poised to take his career to new heights by defeating Felipe Lobo.

Nabil Anane on his biggest test

The Algerian-Thai teen, Nabil Anane, was thrust into the spotlight in his promotional debut. At ONE Friday Fights 22 in June last year, he faced the legendary ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superlek Kiatmoo9, for his belt. Unfortunately, he suffered a fight-ending knockout in the first round. 

Undeterred, the teenage phenom quickly rebounded with a three-fight winning streak. During this impressive run, he defeated veterans Nakrob Fairtex, Muangthai PK Saenchai, and most recently, the hard-hitting Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai at ONE Friday Fights 69 earlier this month.

However, Nabil Anane will need to be at his absolute best to defeat Felipe Lobo. In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Anane discussed his upcoming fight and the opportunity to break into the top five of his division by defeating Lobo. He stated, “This is one of my biggest fights. I need to prove myself.”

What are your thoughts on Felipe Lobo’s statement? Can he defeat the 6’3′ young phenom Nabil Anane with his experience when they meet inside the ring on August 2 at the legendary Lumpinee Stadium? Let us know in the comments.