“He wouldn't be afraid to fight” - Nong-O believes Superlek has the tools to handle surging contender Nico Carrillo

Former bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Nong-O Hama understands why Nico Carrillo might just be the most feared contender in the division right now. Then again, if there's a man who can stop 'King of the North's' rampage, it's newly minted bantamweight Muay Thai king Superlek Kiatmoo9.

Speaking in an interview with the South China Morning Post, Nong-O claimed 'The Kicking Machine's' world-class skills and unmatched fight IQ will be too much for the Scotsman when they inevitably cross paths;

"I think if this match happens, Superlek would come up with a great plan. He's not an ordinary fighter. And now that he has won against Haggerty, his confidence is just very high. So I think he wouldn't be afraid to fight Nico Carrillo."

So far, no one has figured out how to stop Carrillo's onslaught after recording four stoppages in as many fights under the ONE banner. Even the great Nong-O succumbed to the 25-year-old's unreal finishing power when they butted heads last year.

The second-ranked Carrillo, who often dwarfs his bantamweight counterparts, brings forth immense physicality and elite conditioning to go along with his heavy hands.

But as far as Nong-O is concerned, Superlek will find a way to defend his crown if these two go head-to-head in the near future.

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Nong-O surprised Superlek took out Jonathan Haggerty in less than a minute

Another reason why Nong-O believes Superlek can snap Carrillo's hot streak lies behind his fellow Thai's latest vicious knockout.

The now two-weight and two-sport world champion dispatched another hard-hitting Englishman, Jonathan Haggerty, at ONE 168: Denver in just 49 seconds:

"I would say that I'm surprised. It was just 49 seconds," Nong-O told SCMP MMA.

"It was very short, and it's hard to evaluate that fight, because if it was like two rounds, three rounds, maybe I could evaluate more."

The full replay of ONE 168 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

Meanwhile, Nong-O's upcoming fight against Kiamrian Nabati will take place at ONE Friday Fights 81 on Sept. 27 at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The full event will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com

Watch Nong-O's full SCMP MMA interview: