Nico Carrillo hopes his legacy will be similar to Ramon Dekkers.
Since April 2023, Carrillo has fought four times under the ONE Championship banner, winning every one by knockout. The Scottish bantamweight Muay Thai fighter has started building his legacy, but he has many goals left to accomplish.
Carrillo recently did an interview with Sky Sports to talk about his fighting career. 'King of the North' referenced Dekkers, a Muay Thai and kickboxing legend known for being one of the best foreigners frequently competing in Thailand:
"Listen, I want to go down as one of the greatest. When you think of Muay Thai, you’re always going to think of Saenchai, you’re always going to think of these guys. But I want people to think of me as the foreigner. I want to be thought of like Ramon Dekkers in years to come. I know I’m way off that, but I’m daring to be that great, like Ramon Dekkers."
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Nico Carrillo last fought in July, defeating Saemapetch by second-round knockout. The 26-year-old's promotional resume now features wins against Furkan Karabag, Muangthai, former world champion Nong-O, and the well-respected Saemapetch.
Watch Carrillo's entire interview with Sky Sports below:
Nico Carrillo faces legacy-defining moment at ONE 170
Nico Carrillo's latest performance against Saemapetch has earned him a life-changing opportunity. On January 24, 2025, the Scottish striker will challenge two-sport world champion Superlek for his bantamweight Muay Thai throne.
Carrillo has knocked out every opponent he's faced in ONE. With that said, 'King of the North' might have to be ready for a five-round battle, as Superlek is widely considered the best striker in the entire promotion.
Superlek's last fifteen months have featured wins against Rodtang, Takeru Segawa (kickboxing), and Jonathan Haggerty. The Thai superstar's latest win was a significant addition to his highlight reel, as he finished Haggerty in 49 seconds.
ONE 170 will take place inside the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
The upcoming event featuring at least two world title fights, including a main event between Tawanchai and Jo Nattawut in featherweight Muay Thai, can be seen live and for free by North American viewers with an active Prime Video subscription.