“It is also Superlek’s biggest test” - Nico Carrillo says fans shouldn’t count him out against Superlek at ONE 170
Nico Carrillo thinks fans already counting him out of his upcoming clash with two-sport king Superlek Kiatmoo9 are in for a surprise.
Recently, ONE Championship announced that Superlek's first defense of the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship would come against 'The King of the North' as part of a loaded ONE 170 card at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking with Andrew Whitlelaw of the South China Morning Post, Carrillo acknowledged that his scrap with Superlek will be the biggest test of his career thus far—but he made it very clear that 'The Kicking Machine' would also be put to the test when the two meet on martial arts' biggest global stage:
“This is my biggest test, but it is also Superlek’s biggest test".
Thus far, both Superlek and Nico Carrillo are undefeated under the ONE banner in Muay Thai competition. 'The Kicking Machine' has won 11 straight inside the Circle while Carrillo has KO'd all four of his opponents, including Thai legends Nong-O Hama and Saemapetch Fairtex.
Carrillo will look to add another icon from The Land of Smiles to his hit list on Friday, Jan. 24.
Will Superlek add another superstar is his already impressive hit list at ONE 170?
Superlek enters his first Muay Thai title defense with 139 career victories to his credit and two world championships around his waist.
After claiming the ONE flyweight kickboxing crown last year, 'The Kicking Machine' returned to the Circle at ONE 168: Denver and scored a 49-second knockout against Jonathan Haggerty to take home the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship.
With wins over Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Takeru Segawa, and the aforementioned Jonathan Haggerty, Superlek has one of the most impressive resumes in all of ONE Championship.
Will 'The Kicking Machine' add the Scottish standout to his list in 2025, or will Carrillo kickstart a new era in one of ONE Championship's most talent-rich divisions?
ONE 170: Tawanchai vs. Superbon II will air live from Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Jan. 24.