Nico Carrillo "on cloud nine" after ferocious finish of Saemapetch at ONE Fight Night 23
Nico Carrillo is flying high after adding yet another epic knockout to his resume at ONE Fight Night 23.
Seven months after his epic second-round finish of former ONE world champion Nong-O Hama, 'King of the North' scored his fourth-straight KO under the ONE banner, putting away Thai icon Saemapetch Fairtex inside the legendary Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
Following the victory, Carrillo was awarded a $50,000 bonus from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
More importantly, the Scottish striker further established himself as the bantamweight Muay Thai division's top-ranked contender. Speaking at the ONE Fight Night 23 post-fight interview, Carrillo said:
"Thank you very much. I'm on cloud nine. I'm very happy with my performance."
With the win, Carrillo should be next in line for a shot at the bantamweight Muay Thai title, currently held by reigning two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty.
But first, 'The General' will take care of a bit of business with ONE flyweight kickboxing titleholder Superlek Kiatmoo9.
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 potentially next in line for a shot at the bantamweight Muay Thai crown
After his big win over Saemapetch, the 25-year-old will likely sit back and watch the sparks fly as Jonathan Haggerty squares off with Superlek when ONE Championship makes its highly anticipated return to the United States for ONE 168 in The Mile High City — Denver, Colorado.
Haggerty will put his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai belt on the line for the second time, the first coming against Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19 in February. On that night, 'The General' secured a stunning come-from-behind KO in the third round.
Meanwhile, Superlek added another big win to his resume last month, taking out Thai standout Kongthoranee Sor Sommai at ONE Friday Fights 68.
Who would you rather see Nico Carrillo square off with when it comes time for the Scottish star to cash in and claim his first title opportunity?
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 at Ball Arena.