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In the world of MMA, athletes are often recognized for their skill and determination inside the cage. However, for Nico Carrillo, one of the sport’s rising stars, his drive extends beyond just his fighting abilities.
In a recent sit-down interview on the Leather’d Podcast, Carrillo revealed an ambitious goal: to learn Thai within a year.
This goal is rooted in his philosophy of total commitment and focus—traits that have shaped both his fighting career and personal life.
A Fighter’s Philosophy
Carrillo’s philosophy in MMA is straightforward: “Put all your eggs in one basket.” In a sport where focus and discipline are key, Carrillo applies this mindset not only to his fighting but also to other areas of his life. He believes that true mastery comes from dedicating yourself entirely to a single pursuit, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
“I don’t like going three or four levels,” Carrillo explained in the interview. “But yeah, I was just putting all my eggs in the basket again. Once you go half in and half out, then it’s difficult. I just told myself, I was going to go for a lecture three times a week for Thai.”
This philosophy, which focuses on full immersion, has proven effective for Carrillo in his training. He understands that success doesn’t come from half-hearted efforts but from total dedication to a single goal.
The Thai Language and Muay Thai
Carrillo’s decision to learn Thai is deeply connected to his MMA journey, particularly his training in Muay Thai. Having spent time in Thailand training at a local gym, Carrillo has come to realize that speaking the language will allow him to connect more effectively with his coaches and training partners.
“Once you go half in and half out, then it’s difficult,” Carrillo added. “I just told myself, I was going to go for a lecture three times a week for Thai. I think I could be fluent in it for a year. And I think that’s about the same mindset for anything else in life.”
For Carrillo, this is more than just learning a language—it’s about deepening his understanding of Muay Thai by fully embracing the culture and language that surround it.
By committing to learn Thai, Carrillo is ensuring that he’s not just mastering the physical aspects of the sport but also the mental and cultural aspects that make Muay Thai unique.
Total Immersion and Mastery
Carrillo’s goal of becoming fluent in Thai within a year reflects his dedication to total immersion. He’s taking classes three times a week, applying the same level of focus and discipline that has fueled his growth as a fighter. For Carrillo, learning Thai is not just a side project, but a critical part of his journey in martial arts.
“I think that’s about the same mindset for anything else in life,” Carrillo said.
This insight reveals how he views challenges—whether in the cage or in life—through the lens of complete commitment and focus.
Looking Ahead
As Carrillo works toward his goal of fluency in Thai, his approach serves as a reminder of the importance of dedication in all aspects of life. Whether it’s fighting, language learning, or personal development, Carrillo’s mindset remains consistent: full immersion and total focus are the keys to success.
In a year, it will be exciting to see not only how Carrillo’s language skills develop but also how his philosophy of total commitment continues to shape his growth as a fighter and as an individual.
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