Top bantamweight Muay Thai contender 'King of the North' Nico Carrillo's coach, JP Gallacher, is picking legendary Thai fighter and former Carrillo opponent Nong-O Hama to emerge victorious this weekend.
Nong-O is getting ready to step into the ONE Championship ring opposite a dangerous and undefeated Russian star in Kiamran Nabati, and Gallacher is confident the Thai veteran will get the job done.
He told South China Morning Post in a recent interview:
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
"My thing is that for a long time, no one actually came close to popping Nico, and Nong-O managed to actually destroy Nico’s leg. Nico got a very very strong version of Nong-O, because when he fought Haggerty, Nong-O was abroad teaching seminars and stuff. And he got caught cold and he lost his belt."
Gallacher continued:
"So Nong-O prepared extra hard for Nico for a long time. Nico got the best version of him, he just came up short. Nico clipped him and he was done. But the damage done to Nico’s leg was incredible. And the size difference and stuff - like Nong-O was on fire."
Carrillo knocked out Nong-O in the second round of their December 2023 fight at ONE Friday Fights 46. It is the biggest win of 'King of the North's career so far.
Nong-O Hama and Kiamran Nabati square off in three-round Muay Thai tilt at ONE Friday Fights 81
Thai legend Nong-O Hama is set to face undefeated Russian fighter Kiamran Nabati in a three-round bantamweight Muay Thai contest.
The two lock horns at ONE Friday Fights 81: Superbon vs. Nattawut, which broadcasts live from the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, September 27.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live via global pay-per-view on watch.onefc.com. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.