"I'm gratefdul every day" - Nico Carrillo on being counted the elite in ONE Championship

Current number one-rated ONE bantamweight Muay Thai divisional contender Nico Carrillo is not taking any of the blessings that he is receiving for granted.

Carrillo is now considered one of the top-flight stars under the world's largest martial arts organization because of his perfect 3-0 record and 100% finish rate.

In a recent appearance on the South China Morning Post's YouTube channel, the 'King of the North' further explained the reason for his gratitude by stating:

"And now it's here and it's pretty cool. I'm grateful every day that I've got a prime body and a good working body. I'm grateful every day that I wake up and I get to make myself better. There's people out here with limbs that aren't working, can't even walk and stuff, so I'm just grateful that I get to wake up and I get to do the sport, never mind at this level."

The 25-year-old Scottish star experienced a meteoric rise by beating the likes of Furkan Karrabag in April 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 13, Muangthai PK Saenchai in June 2023 at ONE Friday Fights 22, and former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 46 in December 2023.

Nico Carrillo says that win over Nong-O was the biggest win of her career

Speaking of his win over Nong-O, Carrillo claims that it was the biggest victory of his young career by far because he was able to add a major feather to his cap by beating the Thai icon. It was even a sweeter win for him because he withstood the early onslaught from the Thai veteran before eventually scoring the knockout finish in the second round.

This triumph made him the consensus next challenger for Jonathan Haggerty's reign as the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion. However, he needs to wait a little longer because 'The General' is already booked to face Superlek PK Saenchai on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver.