‘She Called Me Out’ – Anissa Meksen Thrilled To Defeat Former Training Partner Kana At ONE Friday Fights 92
On December 20 at ONE Friday Fights 92: Sitthichai vs. Shadow, kickboxing legend Anissa “C18” Meksen turned in a sterling performance against one of the sport’s most dangerous knockout artists.
Live in Asia primetime, the French-Algerian veteran employed speedy movement and vicious combination striking to outpoint promotional newcomer Kana “Krusher Queen” Morimoto over the course of three fast-paced rounds.
Meksen looked to be in peak form, never once taking her foot off the gas pedal in the hotly anticipated atomweight kickboxing matchup.
After her win, “C18” spoke to onefc.com about the battle and was quick to credit her foe:
“It was a strong fight. She was so good, good hands, good movement.”
Kana was one of the biggest free-agent signings in recent memory when she joined ONE Championship earlier this year. Already a beloved star in her native Japan, the 32-year-old is a four-time K-1 Champion who is regularly regarded among the planet’s top pound-for-pound kickboxers.
“Krusher Queen’s” reputation as a ruthless knockout artist is no secret, but Meksen came into the contest with plenty of firsthand knowledge about the Japanese star’s skills.
As she explained, the pair honed their craft together back in 2021:
“I trained with her three years ago. I know her, so I wasn’t surprised [by anything].”
While nothing surprised her in the ring, Meksen admitted she was taken aback – perhaps even offended – that Kana had called her out for the fight.
Now, after scoring a clear-cut decision victory to establish herself as the superior striker, “C18” is eager to put the beef behind her:
“I’m very happy to win tonight because, you know, it’s like a long war with her. She trained with me in 2021. She ate with me, and she fought after this, and then she called me out.
“So, I was a little bit shocked. And now I faced her tonight, and I won. So I’m happy to win.”
Meksen Mulls Retirement, Rematch With Buntan
Now 36 years old, Anissa Meksen is approaching the end of her lengthy and decorated career. While she is a former seven-time Kickboxing and Muay Thai World Champion, the coveted ONE Championship belt still eludes her.
When asked about her future plans, Meksen said she’d be open to competing again – but only if the right opportunity presents itself:
“I don’t know yet. You know, for me, I’m the [ONE] champion without a crown. So I’m waiting for something good, and if nothing good happens, I think I will retire.”
In her last appearance prior to ONE Friday Fights 92, “C18” dropped a closely contested decision to American phenom Jackie Buntan in their showdown for the inaugural ONE Women’s Strawweight Kickboxing World Title.
Looking back on that five-round war, Meksen believes she did enough to earn the judges’ nod. Naturally, she’d happily postpone her retirement for a World Title rematch with Buntan:
“For me, I won that fight, for sure. If there is a rematch, I’m okay with this, but you know, for me, I’m the winner. I am without the belt tonight, but for me, I’m the champion.”
