First-ranked ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai contender 'King of the North' Nico Carrillo of the United Kingdom says fans have yet to see his best form.
The 25-year-old Scottish fighter put together another explosive performance last week at ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Carrillo made easy work of no.4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex of Thailand, knocking his opponent down three times to win by technical knockout in the second round.
However, 'King of the North' says he's in a constant state of improvement and that the best is still yet to come.
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He told ONE Championship:
"I was inactive for five to three months because of surgery. So I only went back in for 10 weeks, maybe. So in 10 weeks, not even in 10 weeks, six weeks, I've improved so much, and I don't believe I'm in my prime yet. I don't think I'll be at my prime until I'm like 27-28. You should still see the best of Nico [to come], and I'm like fine wine."
Carrillo joined the world's largest martial arts organization in April 2023 and has remained unbeaten since. After three straight finishes on ONE Friday Fights, including a victory over Thai legend Nong-O Hama, Carrillo made his way to ONE Championship's main roster.
What's next for Nico Carrillo?
'King of the North' Nico Carrillo believes he's earned the right to challenge for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, and he's willing to face either Jonathan Haggerty or Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the gold.
Haggerty and Superlek will decide the fate of the division in a world title showdown at ONE 168: Denver this September.
Carrillo shared his thoughts on the matchup. He said:
"I’m not rooting for Superlek. I’m not rooting for any of them. It just favors me if Superlek wins because I will get to fight him right away. I would like it to be Haggerty, I would like to take the belt off Haggerty. And it makes for a super fight."
