Nico Carrillo looks back on rollercoaster ride to the ONE world title: “I’m excited to fulfill my destiny”

Second-ranked ONE Championship bantamweight Muay Thai contender 'King of the North' Nico Carrillo of Scotland has had a long and arduous road to the world title, but now he's on the cusp of fully realizing his greatness.

Carrillo believes he's had though toughest path to world championship glory, but now that he finally has his shot at the gold this weekend, the 26-year-old Scottish fighter won't let this chance slip through his fingers.

'King of the North' told Sports Illustrated in a recent interview:

"Everything has been really smooth. Got the fights, got – obviously, when I first signed I fought at the higher weight, knocked the boy out, and then they gave me a really high-ranked Thai in my next fight. Knocked him out in devastating fashion, that got me the contract, the next fight I fought the number one who was champion for eight years in Nong-O. Knocked him out, and then obviously got a hand surgery after that."

Carrillo added:

"So I was meant to fight for the title right away then, but obviously with me getting surgery and stuff that kind of messed that up. And then I defended my number one spot against Saemapetch. And now we’re here fighting for the title. Like I said, in my first fight I was coming for gold, so yeah – I’m excited to fulfill my destiny, and a longtime dream."

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Nico Carrillo squares off with Nabil Anane for interim bantamweight Muay Thai belt at ONE 170

'King of the North' Nico Carrillo is set to take on fifth-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nabil Anane for the ONE interim bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

The two lock horns in the co-main event at ONE 170, which will broadcast live from the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, January 24.

Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and for free on watch.onefc.com. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates on the event as it happens.