Nico Carrillo of Scotland solidified his top ranking in the bantamweight Muay Thai division with a decisive TKO victory over Saemapetch Fairtex, a former world title contender. The fight took place at ONE Fight Night 23 in Bangkok.
From the start, Carrillo, known as the ‘King of the North,’ aggressively pursued Saemapetch. While the Thai fighter engaged in exchanges, Carrillo’s knee strikes in the late first round put Saemapetch in trouble.
The second round worsened for Saemapetch as Carrillo knocked him down just 45 seconds in.
Carrillo continued his attack, delivering another knockdown with a powerful left hook. Shortly after, the same punch led to the third and final knockdown, securing Carrillo’s TKO victory.
This win not only cemented Carrillo’s number one ranking but also earned him a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
More importantly, this victory puts Carrillo in line to challenge the winner of the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title bout between current champion Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmuu9, scheduled for ONE 168: Denver in September.
“I’m next, I’m undeniable. Mr. Chatri, give me the title shot next,” Carrillo declared in his post-fight interview. “Whoever wins that title in Denver, don’t get too attached to the gold because it’s coming right off you.”
Other Fight Night 23 Highlights
In the main event, Alibeg Rasulov defeated former ONE lightweight MMA world champion Ok Rae Yoon in a tough five-round match. Rasulov’s relentless pressure and clinch work proved decisive.
British fighter Ellis Badr Barboza also achieved a hard-fought victory against Aliff Sor Dechapan. Barboza secured a split-decision win, with a second-round knockdown being crucial to his success.
Marcus Bellamy