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Nabil Anane details story behind One Piece fascination: "The character just fits me" | BJPenn.com

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, October 10th 2025 at 5:13 GMT by bjpenn
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Nabil Anane on the One‑Piece Connection That Fuels His Fight Game

When most people think of a professional mixed‑martial‑artist, they picture a bruised face, a cage‑lined corner, and a relentless drive to stay on top of their game. Few, however, know that a certain fighter’s passion for a Japanese manga series – One Piece – has become a core part of his identity, both inside and outside the octagon. In a candid interview with BJPenn, former UFC middle‑weight and current professional boxer Nabil Anane takes us behind the scenes of that obsession, revealing why the character he chooses to admire “just fits” him.

From the Cage to the Ring, and Now a Manga Fan

Nabil Anane first came to the public eye as a hard‑hitting middle‑weight in the UFC, known for his slick grappling and sharp striking. After a brief stint in the organization, Anane decided to leave the UFC and step into the world of professional boxing, seeking new challenges and a fresh way to harness his fighting instincts. While preparing for his first professional bout, Anane began to talk about an unexpected source of inspiration: the anime and manga world of One Piece.

“It’s something that’s been with me since I was a kid,” he said. “I grew up in France, but like a lot of people, I fell in love with the story of One Piece. It’s more than a comic; it’s a philosophy. It’s about never giving up.”

In that quote, Anane reveals why One Piece isn’t merely a hobby but a guiding principle that shapes his approach to training and competition. He says that the series “offers an infinite amount of life lessons that can be applied to the ring.” This, according to Anane, is the real reason why the One Piece character he’s most connected to has become a personal emblem.

The Character That Mirrors His Life

While Anane has discussed several One Piece figures – from the charismatic swordsman Roronoa Zoro to the ever‑optimistic Monkey D. Luffy – he repeatedly insists that the main protagonist, Luffy, is the one who “just fits” him. Anane explained, “Luffy is the ultimate underdog. He’s got that raw determination and an unshakeable sense of justice that’s exactly what I try to bring to the ring. The way he faces every challenge head‑on, even when the odds are stacked against him, mirrors the mental attitude I try to bring to every fight.”

Anane was quick to point out that Luffy’s “never‑give‑up” mindset is central to One Piece’s narrative. It’s a mindset that Anane claims keeps him motivated through grueling training sessions, difficult losses, and the mental toll of a demanding combat sport. “In the ring, you’re constantly fighting. You’re constantly under pressure. But if you’re like Luffy, you’ve got the courage to keep moving forward, even when you’re at your lowest point.”

Anane also highlighted the importance of camaraderie, another key theme in One Piece. He noted that the Straw Hat crew’s unity and loyalty are qualities he values in his own training group. “When you have a team that’s truly supportive, it changes everything,” he said. “That’s the same thing that happens in the ring – when you have a partner who has your back.”

The Origin Story Behind the Obsession

In the interview, Anane goes deeper, explaining that his love for One Piece started when his parents took him to a local anime store in Lyon. He was instantly captivated by Luffy’s bright, unapologetic grin. “I remember buying my first One Piece manga box set as a teenager,” Anane recalled. “I was fascinated by how the story could blend humor with heartbreak. That was the first time I felt a character so powerful that I could see myself in him.”

Anane has since carried that inspiration with him throughout his career. He says that when he first stepped into the UFC octagon, he drew mental strength from Luffy’s unbreakable spirit. Even during the moments when his fights didn’t go the way he expected, Anane says he kept pushing forward, just like Luffy would.

He also revealed how One Piece has influenced his post‑fight mindset. “After a tough bout, I’ll watch a few episodes of One Piece to reset my mind. It reminds me that setbacks are temporary and that the future is bright if you keep your eyes on the prize.”

The Fan Connection and Beyond

Anane’s discussion of One Piece resonated with fans, many of whom already admired the fighter’s gritty style. Several readers commented that the comparison to Luffy felt authentic, noting that Anane’s unwavering determination in the ring is reminiscent of the beloved manga hero. Others praised Anane’s candidness about the influence of pop culture on professional athletes.

In an interview, Anane also teased a potential future crossover: a series of One Piece‑inspired training videos that he plans to release on his YouTube channel. “I want to show how the principles from One Piece can be applied to everyday life,” he said. “We’ll look at mental fortitude, teamwork, and the importance of staying true to yourself.”

Why It Matters

Anane’s story underscores how an unexpected passion—an anime series—can become a powerful motivator for athletes. While most professional fighters credit coaching, training regimens, or family support, Anane attributes a significant part of his mental resilience to the world of One Piece. His story is a reminder that the lessons learned from stories, whether they are told in comics or lived in the ring, can help us persevere when the stakes feel insurmountable.

In the end, when the article’s headline—“Nabil Anane details the story behind one‑piece fascination, the character just fits me”—might seem like a niche pop‑culture curiosity, it actually points to a deeper truth: that personal passion, when intertwined with professional ambition, can forge a mental edge that transcends any single fight or ring. Anane’s journey demonstrates that the right narrative, coupled with relentless effort, can turn a fighter into a true champion, both on and off the canvas.