"It was a good thing and I won" - Nabil Anane relieved after successful featherweight debut at ONE 173

Victory mattered more than perfection for Nabil Anane in his featherweight kickboxing debut during ONE's star-studded spectacle in Tokyo, Japan, last week.

The 21-year-old reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion successfully navigated unfamiliar territory with a unanimous decision victory over promotional newcomer Hiromi Wajima at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on Sunday, Nov. 16, inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena.

The Thai-Algerian striking specialist, however, admitted afterward that relief, not satisfaction, defined his immediate reaction.

"[I am] Feeling good, man. I don't know if it was a good performance. Okay. So it went to a decision. So yeah, it was a good thing and I won. Just happy, man," Nabil Anane told Nick Atkin in a post-fight interview.

His 6-foot-4 frame and reach advantage proved decisive throughout the nine-minute war against 'The Purple Comet.'

The towering striker peppered the former K-1 champ with kicks from distance while sending waves of punching combinations that landed with power and precision on his way to a decisive triumph.

As a result, Anane improved to 41-5 and extended his unbeaten streak to nine fights.

Watch Nabil Anane's full interview with Nick Atkin here:

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Nabil Anane talks bantamweight plans, eyes permanent switch to featherweight

The reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, in the same interview with Atkin, hinted that it won't be too long before he makes a permanent move to featherweight.

"I think that maybe, if I continue fighting at bantamweight for four to five more fights, I can stay in the featherweight division," he shared.

Given his age and how his build will naturally pack on more muscles over the next three to four years at least, Anane's decision to test himself at a higher weight bracket is a good way for him to start adjusting for the inevitable down the road.

It could also set him up for a possible rematch against Nico Carrillo, who has gone on a 2-0 run in the featherweight kickboxing division with highlight-reel wins over Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Luke Lessei.

Combat sports enthusiasts who weren't able to catch ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri live can purchase their PPV replay passes here.