“I’m not scared” - Superlek dismisses challenger Nico Carrillo’s mind-numbing finishing power

ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 is not too concerned with the challenge presented by knockout artist Nico Carrillo in their recently announced title clash. He said he has faced opponents with similar styles as the Scottish fighter in the past and dealt with them well.

'The Kicking Machine' will defend the bantamweight Muay Thai gold for the first time against 'The King of the North' at ONE 170 on Jan. 24, 2025 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.

In a quote card shared by combat sports journalist Andrew Whitelaw, Superlek shared his thoughts on his scheduled title clash with Carrillo. Part of his quote read:

"I'm not scared of guys like this. I like to fight guys with this style, and I like new challenges too."

Check out the post below:

Superlek became the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion last month at ONE 168: Denver, where he knocked out erstwhile divisional king Jonathan Haggerty in just 49 seconds. The win thrust him to double ONE world champion status as he also holds the flyweight kickboxing world title.

Meanwhile, ONE 170 is a realization of the long-sought bid of Carrillo for a world title shot, built on four impressive victories that all come by way of knockout since making his ONE Championship debut in April last year.

---

Superlek-Carrillo match one of two confirmed title fights at ONE 170

The marquee showdown between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Nico Carrillo is one of two title fights already confirmed for ONE 170 on Jan. 24, 2025 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

It joins the headlining contest that will see ONE featherweight Muay Thai world champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai battle challenger Superbon in a title rematch.

The two matches topbill ONE Championship's early offering for next year as it sets the tone for what it hopes to be a banner year for the promotion.

Tawanchai first took on Superbon in December last year. The bout saw both fighters leave everything in the ring in their five-round battle. In the end, it was the reigning champion who earned the nod of the judges by majority decision.

Superbon, however, bounced back well from the defeat, winning back-to-back matches, including a decision victory over Marat Grigorian in April to win the interim featherweight kickboxing world title.

ONE 170 will also see the promotion return to Impact Arena after ONE 167 back in June.

Meanwhile fans attending the event will be part of a special fight night production of "The Beast In Me," an MMA action drama starring Daniel MacPherson and Russell Crowe.