"I'm very excited to face him" - Superlek thrilled to duel 'best in the division' Nico Carrillo in first world title defense

Right off the bat, Superlek Kiatmoo9 will defend his newly won bantamweight Muay Thai world title against arguably one of the most feared heavy hitters in the division.

By the looks of it, 'The Kicking Machine' is embracing the challenge at hand and wouldn't have it any other way.

The world's largest martial arts organization recently announced a massive slugfest between Superlek and second-ranked challenger Nico Carrillo for the 145-pound Muay Thai crown at ONE 170 on January 24, 2025, at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

Ahead of his first world title defense against an extremely dangerous opponent, the two-division and two-sport world champion had this to say to Andrew Whitelaw of the South China Morning Post:

“He is said to be the best in the division and I’m very excited to face him. I haven’t got a game plan yet, but it will be a great fight.”

Superlek cemented his place as one of the greatest strikers in the world pound-for-pound after his sub-minute destruction of former bantamweight Muay Thai kingpin Jonathan Haggerty.

Now, the Thai megastar must vanquish another hard-hitting Scot, who has yet to be stopped in the world's largest martial arts organization.

The rampaging Nico Carrillo is 4-0 under the ONE banner, with his last two wins coming through vicious finishes against Nong-O Hama and Saemapetch Fairtex.

Superlek vs Carrillo isn't the only Muay Thai super fight at ONE 170

ONE Championship is opening 2025 with not just one, but two can't-miss super fights in 'The Art of Eight Limbs'.

Once the dust settles between Superlek and Carrillo, the main event will feature one of the most highly-awaited rematches in Muay Thai.

Tawanchai PK Saenchai will put his featherweight Muay Thai world title against interim featherweight kickboxing world champion Superbon at ONE 170.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA and ONE Championship for updates on this developing blockbuster.