“You roll with the punches” - Nico Carrillo says sudden change of opponent from Superlek to Nabil Anane was out of his hands

Nico Carrillo isn't going to stress about the things he can't control. He'll simply adapt and move forward.

Originally, 'King of the North' was scheduled to square off with two-sport king Superlek Kiatmoo9, challenging the Thai superstar for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship at ONE 170 this Friday, January 24 at Impact Arena in Bangkok.

Unfortunately, Superlek was forced to bow out of the bout due to an injury, leaving Carrillo without an opponent for what was to be the biggest fight of his career thus far.

Enter Nabil Anane, a 6'4" Algerian-Thai sensation riding a five-fight win streak inside the Circle.

Anane ultimately stepped up to the plate, agreeing to fight Carrillo at ONE 170 — the winner emerging as the interim ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world titleholder.

Asked about the sudden change in opponent during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Carrillo knows that in the fight game, these things tend to happen and there's no point in stressing out of the things he can't control.

"But that’s the fight game, and these things happen, Carrillo said. "They throw sh*t at you sometimes and you roll with the punches. So yeah, that’s just the fight game."

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Nabil Anane unfazed by Nico Carrillo's power

In the eyes of many, Nico Carrillo is the favorite to come out on top and leave The Land of Smiles with 26 pounds of gold strapped around his waist.

But no matter what the pundits say, Nabil Anane is confident in his ability to handle Carrillo's impressive power and land his most stunning victory yet.

"I know that Nico Carrillo has a lot of power, and [he's] very durable as well. But I did my training and how I deal with his power. You will just have to wait and see this Friday."

Since coming up short in his promotional debut against Superlek, Anane has rattled off five impressive victories, including highlight-reel knockouts against Nakrob Fairtex and Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek Uthai. Will he make it six in a row and claim his first ONE world title, or will the speed and strength of 'The King of the North' be too much to overcome?

ONE Championship fans can catch ONE 170 live on Friday, January 24 at watch.onefc.com.