2023 will be remembered as a standout year for several MENA fighters as they looked to establish themselves in the upper echelons of the world’s biggest martial arts organisation – ONE Championship.
Several Arab fighters have captured memorable wins and produced solid performances against some of the best fighters the organisation has to offer.
Here are some of the Arab talents’ most impressive victories in ONE Championship last year.
Akram Hamidi
Algeria’s rising Muay Thai star Akram Hamidi made waves on his ONE debut, beating Jomhod Auto MuayThai at ONE Friday Fights 22.
The three-time ISKA Kickboxing World Champion was in complete control before finishing the Thai veteran via knockout 36 seconds into the second round.
Abdallah Ondash
Muay Thai star Abdallah Ondash has managed two wins from two inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium against Thai opponents, Parnpet Sor Jor Lekmuangnon and Palangboon Wor Santai.
While his second split decision win against Palangboon was impressive, it was his debut victory that stands out. The 24-year-old Lebanese fighter produced a heroic comeback which culminated in a knockout punch just one second before the end of the third and final round.
Nabil Anane
In his second ONE Championship fight, Algeria’s Nabil Anane put aside his disappointing debut loss against ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 and delivered an impressive performance against Nakrob Fairtex.
The 19-year-old, who is a two-division WBC Muay Thai World Champion, secured a second-round knockout victory against his Thai counterpart, ending the latter’s four-win-streak.
Shakir Al Tekreeti
On October 7, Shakir Al Tekreeti became the first Iraqi to capture a win at ONE Championship’s monthly fight series, ONE Fight Nights.
Inside the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, the 26-year-old Iraqi scored a memorable victory against France’s Bampara Kouyate via unanimous decision.
Elyes Kacem
The youngest star on this list, Algeria’s Elyes Kacem picked up a second-round knockout win against Thailand’s Chai Sor Sor ToiPadriew. A precise left kick to the head finished the Thai, gaining the young Algerian star the crowd’s standing ovation at the famous Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
