Nico Carrillo says beating Superlek would be ‘bigger’ than just winning the belt

Nico Carrillo has his eyes set on becoming a world champion early next year. But more importantly, the 26-year-old Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy product says he wants to take out one of the biggest names in the history of the sport.

Carrillo is getting ready to face multi-division icon 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9 and wants to prove that he can defeat the legend.

'King of the North' said in a recent interview on Sky Sports:

"Thinking about what Superlek, who’s pound-for-pound number one, has never been hurt in his career, never been dropped, never been knocked out, to be able to maybe do that to him - knock him out, win on points, whatever it may be - it’s something bigger than, I hate to say it, the belt. Superlek and the belt, it’s like two big titles in one night, if that makes sense."

Needless to say, Carrillo has a tall task ahead of him. Superlek is not only one of the pound-for-pound best strikers in ONE Championship. He's also one of the best strikers in history.

If Carrillo does beat Superlek, that would prove the 26-year-old is the future of 'the art of eight limbs'.

Nico Carrillo and Superlek Kiatmoo9 go to war at ONE 170

Nico Carrillo will fight Superlek Kiatmoo9 for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon, which broadcasts live in Asia primetime from the state-of-the-art Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada can check ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch from their location.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event.