Nico Carrillo, known as the "King of the North," is ready to embark on a new chapter in his combat sports career as he transitions from Muay Thai to kickboxing. The Scottish fighter, who has already made a name for himself as the ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion, will face Chinese newcomer Zhou Jiaqiang at ONE Fight Night 46: Hemetsberger vs. Diachkova, scheduled for August 14 at Bangkok's renowned Lumpinee Stadium.
This upcoming fight marks a significant milestone for Carrillo, who has recently been elevated from interim titleholder to undisputed champion in the featherweight Muay Thai division. While many athletes might take a moment to celebrate such an achievement, Carrillo remains laser-focused on his upcoming challenge in kickboxing, emphasizing that his new title will not distract him from the task at hand.
In a statement reflecting his determination, Carrillo said, "Nothing has changed. I have an opponent in front of me that I have to deal with, and I’m locked on that task. The news of me being officially crowned has nothing to do with this fight camp." His commitment to preparation and performance underscores his ambition to succeed in kickboxing as he has in Muay Thai.
At just 27 years old, Carrillo has built a reputation for his finishing power, having secured four consecutive highlight-reel victories in the bantamweight division. His impressive track record includes a stunning knockout of former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama, showcasing his ability to deliver explosive finishes. Following a setback in his pursuit of the bantamweight title, Carrillo moved up to featherweight, where he achieved back-to-back knockouts and a five-round performance that earned him the interim crown.
As he prepares to step into the kickboxing ring, Carrillo is confident that his transition will not diminish his effectiveness. He stated, "The power remains. Small gloves or big gloves, my hands are my greatest tools. It’s not going to be any different this time around. The power I bring is far more powerful than his." His belief in his striking ability is bolstered by the fact that kickboxing gloves allow for more defensive flexibility, which he hopes will enhance his performance.
Looking ahead to the co-main event at ONE Fight Night 46, Carrillo is not shy about his expectations. He boldly declared, "It’s going to be the Nico show once more. This one will be done with a knockout. A finish in round two with a left head kick." Such confidence is not unfounded, as Carrillo has a history of backing up his predictions with decisive victories.
While a successful debut in kickboxing is on the horizon, Carrillo's ambitions extend beyond this fight. He has expressed interest in eventually competing in mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly with upcoming events planned in Qatar. Carrillo aims to defend his Muay Thai title later this year before pursuing opportunities in MMA, stating, "I want to fight MMA in Qatar in March." This strategic approach reflects his desire to become a two-sport world champion, further solidifying his legacy in combat sports.
As Carrillo prepares for this pivotal moment in his career, he remains focused on his overarching goal of becoming the best in the sport. With a strong foundation in Muay Thai and an eagerness to conquer kickboxing and potentially MMA, the "King of the North" is poised to make his mark in the world of combat sports.
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