Ilias Ennahachi craves more success at ONE Championship

Ennahachi conquered his Thai foe “The Baby Shark” Petchdam Petchyindee Academy in Bangkok, Thailand, where he captured his seventh World Championship belt, the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title.

It was not the easiest of settings for him. The Utrecht native had to compete in front of Petchdam’s hometown crowd. And he had to steal a victory from an opponent who won all four of his earlier ONE Super Series contests in highlight-reel fashion.

“I played my game and did what I always do,” the SB Gym athlete explained following his win at ONE: DREAMS OF GOLD.

“My coach told me that I must box more. [That was a turning point] because you see he had no answer. From round three, I threw more punches in combinations.”

That approach allowed the multiple-time World Champion to control the rhythm of the match.

As his confidence grew, the Dutchman knew that nothing from his foe’s striking arsenal was going to irritate him.

“He kicked my crotch hard, and it bothered me,” he said, before adding, “His [other] kicks were not hard. I was testing him before I hit him – it was all part of the plan.”

“I kicked easier than him – you could see how I hit him a few times.”

Despite owning only 35 professional wins, Ennahachi has collected a list of prestigious wins against high-caliber opponents.

And at just 23 years old, he has much to conquer at the world’s largest martial arts organization.

“I feel great and proud to be part of ONE Championship,” he said.

“I am very happy that I can participate on this stage. I want to thank ONE very much that they gave me this opportunity. I hope in the future to put on even better fights. Now, I’m going to celebrate!”

ONE Championship makes a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam next for ONE: IMMORTAL TRIUMPH on Friday, 6 September.