Brothers in Arms: How Nabil and Yonis Anane Are Taking the Striking World by Storm, Together
- Black Belt Team
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Most champions walk their path alone, but Nabil Anane has never known solitude in his martial arts journey. For every training session, every victory, every setback, the undisputed ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion has had his younger brother Yonis Anane by his side.
This Friday, September 26, at ONE Friday Fights 126, their shared dream reaches new heights as both brothers will compete on the same card – Nabil will make his highly anticipated kickboxing debut against former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi, while 18-year-old Yonis will step up for his second promotional appearance against Huynh Hoang Phi in strawweight Muay Thai action.
Their bond transcends typical sibling relationships, forged in the fires of shared ambition and mutual respect that has defined their lives since childhood.
"We're like brothers and best friends. We motivate each other, just like friends," Nabil explained, capturing the unique dynamic that has propelled both athletes toward championship-level success.
The Anane brothers' story began not with individual aspirations, but with a family commitment to martial arts that would shape two destinies simultaneously. When Nabil was just 11 years old and Yonis was 8, they stepped into the gym together at Team Mehdi Zatout, beginning a journey that has never seen them train apart.
"We started everything at the same time. I was 11 and he was 8 when we started. Same training, same journey. My father was behind me, but also behind him. Everything is the same. He's just a little younger and not as tall as me," Nabil recalled, describing the foundation that has made their relationship as much about partnership as competition.
That partnership has produced remarkable results for both fighters, though their paths have unfolded at different paces. Nabil, now 21 and standing an imposing 6'4", has become one of the most exciting new titleholders in ONE Championship today.
After making his promotional debut at just 19 – suffering a knockout loss to Superlek Kiatmoo9 that might have derailed a less resilient fighter – Nabil transformed setback into fuel, winning five straight bouts to earn an interim title shot against Nico Carrillo. His stunning victory over "The King of the North" netted him the interim belt, and in June, he was elevated to undisputed champion status.
Meanwhile, Yonis has been carving his own path with equal determination. At 5'10" and carrying a striking record of 46-8, the younger Anane brother made his promotional debut in June 2025 at ONE Friday Fights 114, defeating China's Liu Junchao via unanimous decision to announce his arrival on martial arts' biggest stage.
What makes their relationship special isn't just shared success, but genuine mutual respect for each other's unique strengths. Despite being the world champion, Nabil readily acknowledges his younger brother's technical superiority.
"He's more technical than me. He kicks well, and his movement is really good," Nabil admitted, demonstrating the absence of ego that often defines champion mindsets.
As the older brother, Nabil has had the privilege of watching Yonis evolve as both a fighter and a person. His observations reveal not just technical development, but the mental growth that transforms prospects into contenders.
"He was very aggressive in his first fight. Now he's more of a technical fighter, but recently, he's started to be aggressive again. He can change his style depending on his opponent," Nabil noted, highlighting the intelligence that suggests Yonis is developing into a complete martial artist.
This Friday's card represents a pivotal moment for both brothers. For Nabil, stepping into kickboxing against the more-experienced Ennahachi marks the beginning of his quest for two-sport glory – a journey that could establish him among ONE Championship's most versatile champions. Meanwhile, Yonis is hoping to secure a six-figure contract, just like his brother did last year.