“Looking for an Easier Fight” – Nico Carrillo Throws Shade at Jonathan Haggerty for Clamoring for Showdown With Liam Harrison

Top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo is not about to be overlooked in ONE Championship, and he wants everyone to know that he’s ready for his shot at gold at any time. 

The Scottish slugger is deep in preparation for his collision with #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23, which goes down on U.S. primetime on Friday, July 5, inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. But he also has his eyes fixed on what’s happening with divisional king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.

Nico Carrillo targets Jonathan Haggerty

Carrillo has remained unbeaten in his three promotional outings, including a second-round finish of Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 46 last December, and he was hoping Haggerty would have him on his radar for a future bout. 

“The General” is currently scheduled to defend the bantamweight Muay Thai crown in a super-fight against flyweight kickboxing titleholder Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver in September. And when it comes to British talent, he has said that striking legend Liam “Hitman” Harrison is the one on his list.

Though an icon, “King of the North” believes Harrison may not be the right opponent for Haggerty to face, and he discussed his thoughts in a recent interview with Sky Sports MMA Club.

“Listen, I would never bad-mouth Liam Harrison. He’s Muay Thai royalty in the U.K. And anybody who said he’s not is a hater. Liam Harrison has done some great things for Muay Thai over here in the U.K., and anybody who said he’s not is a hater,” Carrillo said.  

“I’m not bad-mouthing Harrison in any way here, but Harrison’s older, much older, he’s nearly 40 years old. Haggerty is looking for an easier fight. Harrison in his prime? Obviously, he’d destroy anybody. But he’s not there now. So Haggerty is looking for an easier fight.”

“Hitman” is coming off a lengthy break from competition due to an injury he incurred in August 2022. He was scheduled to appear at last weekend’s ONE 167 until a weight issue caused his bout with Katsuki Kitano to be canceled. 

However, the 38-year-old powerhouse is set to return to action at ONE 168: Denver, where he’ll square off against Thai veteran Seksan Or Kwanmuang – and fans are waiting with bated breath to see if his skills still hold up.

“The General” vs. Carrillo will be a one-sided fight

With over 100 fights to his name, there is no denying Harrison’s status in Muay Thai. But many would agree with Carrillo’s view that a battle between him and “The General” would be a one-sided affair.

Haggerty currently holds both the bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing crowns in ONE Championship, and he is riding a six-fight win streak that includes three straight finishes over known hard-hitters Nong-O, reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade, and Felipe Lobo. 

While fans would clamor to see a matchup between the two British stars, it most likely wouldn’t produce the same fireworks as if “Hitman” was 10 years younger.

However, a pairing of Carrillo and Haggerty would be a fascinating affair if it were to go down once they clear their respective dance cards.