An Intense Kickboxing Revival for Alain “The Panther” Ngalani
Alain Ngalani, known worldwide as “The Panther,” arrived at ONE Championship as a decorated kickboxer with jaw‑dropping striking prowess. Now, the Hong Kong‑based fighter is rediscovering those old roots in the ONE Super Series.
Upcoming Fight: Ngalani vs. Tarik Khbabez
The Côte‑d‑Ivoire‑born athlete will square off against Superkombat’s two‑time Heavyweight World Champion, Tarik Khbabez, in a pure kickboxing bout at ONE: Pinnacle of Power in Macau on 23 June. With no grappling action on the line, Ngalani can put the entire focus on his devastating strikes, promising a thrilling showcase for fans across the globe.
Switching Gears: From Heavyweight to Light‑Heavyweight
• Staying committed to ONE Championship gold, Ngalani cleared the heavyweight division to chase a World Title in the lighter weight class.
• He proudly showcased the benefits of the move with a unanimous decision victory over Tur‑Ochir Ariunbold at ONE: Iron Will.
• “He felt lighter, faster, and fit to go the distance,” he said, crediting his team’s focus on stamina and ground skills.
Emphasizing Grappling and Strike‑Training Balance
While taking a brief hiatus from the octagon for the Super Series, Ngalani is sharpening his kickboxing technique. He believes this short break will:
- Fine‑tune striking style
- Let him rest, then return even stronger in Jiu‑Jitsu
- Keep his game fresh and versatile
“Exploring the kicking side allows me to focus without that ground‑work distraction,” he explained. “My team trusts this doesn’t hinder my MMA progress; on the contrary, it keeps me motivated.”
Goal‑Setting: Two‑Discipline World Champion
Post‑Super Series, the ambitious boxer pursues two titles:
- World kickboxing champion under ONE Super Series
- Light‑heavyweight MMA champion, whenever the opportunity arises (including a rematch with Aung La N Sang)
He’s proud of his striking legacy and keen to showcase it at a stage close to home.
Why Macau Matters
Macau, just a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, offers a familiar arena for “The Panther.” He trusts local fans will rally behind him, turning the event into a full‑blown celebration for himself and his gym:
- Personal turf for the fight
- Community support to inspire performance
- Opportunity to exhibit the impact of his swings
“No takedowns—just pure punches and kicks,” Ngalani exclaims, gearing up to unleash a flurry of fireworks. “It’s all about dropping the ball without the fear of a balance shift.”
Final Thoughts
With a refreshed training focus, an ambitious two‑discipline goal, and a bustling local fan base, Alain “The Panther” Ngalani is primed to deliver an unforgettable night of striking brilliance. Expect more sparks, more excitement, and, who knows, a world title in the near future.
