Nico Carrillo Promises to Light Up the World in 2025

Nico “King of the North” Carrillo has had a remarkable 2024, solidifying his status as a top contender in ONE Championship’s bantamweight Muay Thai division.

Building on his three consecutive knockout victories in 2023, Carrillo delivered a standout performance in July by stopping former ONE World Title challenger Saemapetch Fairtex at ONE Fight Night 23.

This victory elevated Carrillo to the #2 spot in the bantamweight Muay Thai rankings and secured him a title shot against reigning champion Manachai “The Kicking Machine” Yamsiri aka Superlek Kiatmoo9, scheduled for January 24, 2025, at ONE 170.

Reflecting on his achievements, Carrillo highlighted the knockout of Saemapetch and the accompanying US$50,000 performance bonus as his most memorable in-ring moment of the year. Outside the ring, he cherished time spent with his fiancée, conducting seminars, and traveling extensively across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Carrillo’s global travels included visits to Canada, the United States, Scotland, Italy, Thailand, Bali, and Florida, where he balanced professional commitments with personal leisure.

Looking ahead, Carrillo is focused on his upcoming title bout against Manachai, aiming to fulfill his long-standing ambition of becoming a world champion in ONE Championship. He expressed confidence in his journey, stating, “This is why I signed with ONE. I told my fiancée, before ONE even knew who I was, that I was going to be the biggest star in the organization. I’ve always had that vision.”

As the year concludes, Carrillo is poised to “light up the world” in 2025, with aspirations of clinching the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title and further establishing his legacy in the sport.