“He wasn’t going to be able to take the shots” - Nico Carrillo proved Saemapetch could not handle his power
Once Nico Carrillo made the appropriate adjustments, he knew it was just a matter of time before his Thai challenger would hit the canvas. And that's exactly what happened—three times to be precise.
Returning to Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok for a high-stakes clash with Muay Thai icon Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23, the 'King of the North' delivered another highlight-reel performance, TKO'ing the Thai in the second round to solidify himself as the top-ranked contender in the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
Speaking to the media immediately following the event, Nico Carrillo was more than confident in his ability to finish things early—especially once he adjusted his striking and started delivering shots that his opponent simply couldn't absorb.
"During the fight, after I readjusted my striking, yeah, I knew he wasn't going to be able to take the shots that I was landing," Carrillo said in his post-fight interview.
Carrillo is now a perfect 4-0 inside the Circle with a 100% finish rate—more than enough to score him his first shot at ONE Championship gold.
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE Fight Night 23 replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.
Nico Carrillo will await the winner of Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek at ONE 168
Even before Carrillo stepped into the Mecca of Muay Thai against Saempatch, he was the bantamweight division's top-ranked contender. His win at ONE Fight Night 23 not only solidified his spot at the top, but it made his calls for a shot at a ONE world title practically undeniable.
However, the 'King of the North' will have to sit on the sidelines for a bit as reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty prepares to defend his belt against 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek at ONE 168.
That fight goes down on Friday, September 6, when ONE Championship returns to the United States for a loaded night of fights in The Mile High City—Denver, Colorado.
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.