Top-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico “King of the North” Carrillo established his dominance just weeks ago with a knockout victory against #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex in a bantamweight Muay Thai fight at ONE Fight Night 23. His interest now shifts to challenge the winner of the upcoming ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship match between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver on September 6th.

In the meantime, Nico Carrillo’s coach, JP Gallacher, recently looked back at Carrillo’s fight against Nong-O Hama last year. He revealed how Carrillo turned the fight around after being beaten in the first round.

Nico Carrillo coach’s reflections on past victory 

Since the start of the fight, Nico Carrillo began throwing his fists at Nong-O Hama’s face, utilizing his reach advantage. However, in response, the Thai legend ruthlessly attacked Carrillo’s legs with low kicks, which appeared to be favoring him in the first round.

While analyzing the fight, JP Gallacher stated, “A question on everyone’s lips still this day is how we turned the fight around. Here’s how we did it, starting with the mistake that almost cost us the fight. I will take full blame because I totally underestimated the power of Nong-O Hama’s kicks.” Gallacher further stated, “As you can see here, the plan was to block it, but it was painful that Nico couldn’t block it. Nico said, “O-Hama probably has the hardest shins he’s ever felt in his life.”

Even after the unsatisfactory first round. JP Gallacher claimed they weren’t worried about the second. Using sign language to communicate with Nico Carrillo inside the ring, Coach Gallacher instructed him to counter Nong-O’s kicks by moving back. This would force the Thai legend to close this distance, allowing Carrillo to land a powerful step-in left elbow, ultimately knocking Nong-O Hama down.

Now, both Nico Carrillo and his coach JP Gallacher are focusing on the upcoming ONE 168; Denver event, as Carrillo is eying a potential fight against the winner of Superlek vs. Haggerty. Carrillo recently expressed his interest in fighting Superlek, believing it would favor him in an interview.

Carrillo on Superlek vs. Haggerty outcome

We are just a few months away from witnessing ONE Championship’s second event on American soil, where Jonathan Haggerty’s ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title will be on the line against “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on September 6th. This matchup has captured the attention of combat fans worldwide.

Meanwhile, Nico Carrillo, who recently defeated Saemapetch Fairtex to solidify his position as a title contender, revealed in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post how a Superlek victory could actually benefit him. He explained, “And I think if Superlek wins, he’d be happy to defend right away. If Haggerty wins, he’d probably go on a six-month holiday and won’t defend till next year.”

Nico Carrillo has undoubtedly proven himself as a formidable contender. However, facing Superlek Kiatmoo9 would be a massive challenge. What are your thoughts on Nico Carrillo’s chances if he gets a title shot against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the future? Do you think he could defeat him for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title? Comment your thoughts below.