Last night, top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo silenced his doubters with a knockout victory over #4-ranked Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23, extending his win streak to 15. Carrillo now sets his sights on the upcoming 168: Denver event in the US. Although he won’t be competing there, the American event could still impact his championship aspirations.

Nico Carrillo dominated his opponent Saemapetch Fairtex throughout the fight. He opened strong with kicks, carrying that dominance into the second round. At the 1:15 mark, a well-placed punch combination ended the fight via second-round knockout. In the post-fight interview, Carrillo’s coach lobbied for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming Haggerty vs. Superlek fight.

Nico Carrillo’s coach, JP Gallacher, spoke to the South China Morning Post in a post-fight interview. When asked about the certainty of a title shot for Carrillo, Coach Gallacher acknowledged ONE Championship’s decision-making authority and expressed his firm belief they’d make the right call.

He emphasized, “There is absolutely no question this is the fight the world wants to see. They know Nico Deserves it and I am fairly sure ONE will give it against Superlek or Haggerty.” 

Coach Gallagher on Nico Carrillo’s performance

Elated by his student’s win over Saemapetch, the coach revealed his focus extends beyond just victories and knockouts. He expressed satisfaction with Nico Carrillo’s overall performance tonight, emphasizing technique and skill over simply securing a win. The coach elaborated, “He put on a good show. Nico was a complete package and showcased everything. So, very happy with that. He’s got wins over Seksan, Nong-O Hama, and Muangthai PK Saenchai.“

After hearing all the opponents’ names, the reporter then asked Coach about Saemapetch Fairtex’s rank among the deadliest opponents Nico Carrilo has faced. JP Gallacher revealed, “They have all fought each other and it’s been pretty back and forth. I’d say, obviously Nong-O Hama was the best.“

With this victory under his belt, Nico Carrillo likely enjoys some well-deserved rest. Now, his focus turns to September 6th at ONE 169: Denver, where two-sport World Champion Jonathan Haggerty and ONE flyweight kickboxing king Superlek Kiatmoo9 will compete for the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

Who would you like to see face Nico Carrillo for the title fight in the future? Let us know in the comments.