Top-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai contender, Nico Carrillo, faced #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23 on July 5th. He emerged victorious with a knockout win in their Muay Thai fight, solidifying his position as a strong contender for a future title shot.

In his post-fight interview, Nico Carrillo revealed the secrets behind his offseason activities. His excellent health and peak condition are a testament to his dedicated running routine, which he credits for keeping him in top shape.

Nico Carrillo reveals his off-season drills

Known for his ironclad discipline in diet and training, Nico Carrillo is celebrated as one of the fittest athletes in ONE Championship. As he has shared in previous vlogs, strict dietary habits form a cornerstone of his regimen. Every morning, he kick-starts his day with a protein shake complemented by avocado, eggs, cherries, and tomatoes.

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, Carrillo unveiled another dimension of his fitness routine that extends beyond the gym. “When I’m not in fight camp,” he explained, “I’m running mountains in Scotland, tackling ultra marathons-50 miles races. I actively participate in these events to stay active and keep my mind conditioned for hardship.”

“Relaxing isn’t my style, “Carrillo emphasized. “I believe easing back into intense training after a period of inactivity shocks the system.” This approach underscores his commitment to challenging himself and strengthening his mindset to maintain peak physical and mental fitness throughout the year.

Nico Carrillo’s recent victory has undoubtedly caught the attention of two-sport ONE Bantamweight King, Jonathan Haggerty who offered congratulations to Carrillo but also issued a veiled warning.

Jonathan Haggerty praises Carrillo and also issues a warning

Carrillo sets his sights on the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title, which has thus far eluded him. The coveted belt will be on the line at ONE 168: Denver, where Haggerty will defend his strap against Superlek Kiatmoo9. The winner of this fight will be Carrillo’s potential next target, as he previously declared. 

On Instagram, Haggerty took a shot at the Scot, implying he wouldn’t last long if they ever fought for the title. “Congratulations @nicocarrillo_kotn,” Haggerty wrote. “I’ll stop you in two rounds.” This isn’t the first time Haggerty has targeted Carrillo. They have a history of verbal sparring.

Carrillo’s impressive knockout victory over legendary Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 46 put him on Haggerty’s radar and solidified him as a top contender in the bantamweight Muay Thai division. Now, his recent win over Saemapetch further strengthens his case for a world title shot.

The outcome of Haggerty’s fight with Superlek will determine whether a clash between Jonathan Haggerty and Nico Carrillo materializes. Stay tuned for further updates!