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Andrew Whitelaw

It has been a golden spell for Mehdi Zatout and his fighters at Venom Training Camp.
From Bangkok to Tokyo, the gym has produced world champions, viral knockouts, and a growing sense that something special is happening.
“We work different,” Zatout told the Post. “We train hard, but we also train smart.
“We’re a team. We help each other, we push each other, but always with respect.”
Zatout, a former world champion, now leads one of Asia’s top camps. His stable includes Bampara “Bambi” Kouyate, Muhamad Siasirani, and Abdulla “Smash Boy” Dayakaev, who recently delivered a 24-second finish at ONE Fight Night 33 – the fastest knockout in the promotion’s Muay Thai history.


But it is Nabil Anane, the newly crowned ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, who has become the face of the gym’s rise.
“We’ve worked together since day one. He’s my boy,” Zatout said. “I don’t let just anyone train him.
“We have a system, and we’re very protective. He’s got everything: footwork, timing, discipline. At 6ft 4in, he moves like a welterweight.”
Anane’s win over Superlek Kiatmuu9 at ONE 172 in Tokyo was spectacular, but the build-up was far from ideal.
“He fought during Ramadan, with an injured hand, and the fight was moved earlier than expected,” Zatout said. “People don’t see that.
“They just see the knockout. But it was tough, mentally and physically. And we accepted everything they gave us.”
Anane’s goal is to win titles in six weight divisions, something no fighter has achieved in ONE Championship.
“That’s our dream,” Zatout said. “We’ve won belts at 57kg, 60kg, 65kg, now 61kg.”
“If he stays healthy, focused, and mentally clear, we’ll get the rest.”
With success, however, comes pressure. The fame, media and expectation are already building around the 21-year-old.
“He’s only 21,” Zatout said. “It’s not easy. That’s why I always sit down with him, remind him where we come from. And his father – people forget how important he’s been in all this.”
Zatout said that a fight with Jonathan Haggerty was signed but has been postponed. He hoped Anane would return in September, with his next appearance in November when ONE returns to Tokyo.
“We don’t pick opponents. We accept almost everything ONE offers us,” he said. “But if you ask me, Haggerty is the one. Let’s make it happen.”
Zatout also had big plans for the rest of his team. He said Siasirani was ready to make a major impact, while Bambi was being groomed for a clash with Tawanchai PK Saenchaimuaythaigym.
“That fight was signed too,” Zatout said. “Bambi’s tall, fast, powerful and growing into the 4oz gloves.
“Tawanchai’s a beast, but I want to see how he handles Bambi’s reach and timing.”
As for Dayakaev, Zatout was pleased with his recent performance and said the Dagestani is continuing to build momentum.
Beyond titles and matchups, Zatout’s ambitions extend to a bigger stage. He is pushing for ONE Championship to host an event in France.
“We’ve got the talent, the audience, the energy. I’ve spoken to [ONE Championship CEO] Chatri [Sityodtong]. We’re working on it. Paris could be amazing,” he said.
He has not ruled out a return to competition, but only if the right opportunity comes along.
“I miss it. I miss fighting at home,” he said. “And now, home is Thailand.
“But for now, my focus is on my guys. This is just the beginning.”


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Sport

Martial Arts

Bampara Kouyate, Muhamad Siasirani, Abdulla Dayakaev and jewel in the crown Nabil Anane are some of the fighters Medhi Zatout works with


Bampara Kouyate, Muhamad Siasirani, Abdulla Dayakaev and jewel in the crown Nabil Anane are some of the fighters Medhi Zatout works with.


Superlek Kiatmuu9

Bampara Kouyate

Nabil Anane

Meet the ONE Championship trainer coaching some of the hottest talent in the game

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Bampara Kouyate, Muhamad Siasirani, Abdulla Dayakaev and jewel in the crown Nabil Anane are some of the fighters Medhi Zatout works with

Bampara Kouyate, Muhamad Siasirani, Abdulla Dayakaev and jewel in the crown Nabil Anane are some of the fighters Medhi Zatout works with