“You’re looking at your new bantamweight king” - Nico Carrillo makes bold advance toward ONE world title

Scottish knockout artist Nico Carrillo has always seen himself as the best bantamweight Muay Thai fighter since coming on board ONE Championship last year. He maintains such claim, more so now that he recently racked up his fourth straight knockout victory.

The 'King of the North' earned his fourth KO win at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov on Prime Video on July 5 in Thailand, stopping Thai veteran Saemapetch Fairtex in the second round of their Muay Thai clash.

The scintillating victory also earned Nico Carrillo his third $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post following his victory at ONE Fight Night 23, the Glasgow native underscored that his latest victory was a testament to where he is in the game and a possible world champion.

The 25-year-old Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy said:

"I said that when I fought Furkan, I said you're looking at your new bantamweight king. I said I was this, I said I was that. All they had to do was put me on the Prime cards. I showed the rest of the world what I am, everything I said I am. I'm an authentic person. I don't change off-mic, or on-mic that's on. I'm just all that I am."

Watch the full interview below:

Nico Carrillo made his ONE debut in April last year against Furkan Karabag of Turkey, who he stopped by TKO in the third round. He has since added three more KO wins, willing his way to the No. 1 contender spot in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.

He is now looking to finally get a shot at the world title currently held by double ONE world champion Jonathan Haggerty.

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Nico Carrillo wants to take on winner between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek

Nico Carrillo is eyeing a showdown with the the winner of the all-champion clash between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9 later this year in the United States.

Haggerty will stake his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against the flyweight kickboxing king Superlek at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 6. It will be the promotion's second live on-ground event in the U.S. after a successful show in May last year.

During the in-ring interview with ONE commentator Mitch Chilson following his victory over Thai veteran Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23 on Prime Video on July 5, Nico Carrillo reiterated his call for a world title shot next, either against Haggerty or Superlek, saying:

"Superlek, Jonathan Haggerty, may the best man win, best of luck to the both of you. I'm next. I am next. I am undeniable."

He added:

"Mr. Chatri, give me the title shot next. Whoever wins that match in Denver, don't get too attached to the gold because it's coming right off you. The 'King of the North' is coming for gold."

Haggerty became ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion in April last year and then successfully defended it for the first time back in February with a TKO win over Brazilian Felipe Lobo.