Today, the top-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo sets his sights on extending his winning streak against Saemapetch Fairtex. Their highly anticipated bantamweight Muay Thai clash goes down at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, and airs live in US primetime as part of ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov.

In a recent interview, Nico Carrillo discussed his legacy, outlining his aspirations to become a top-ranked fighter and potentially emulate the legacies of greats like John Wayne Parr and Ramon Dekkers.

Nico Carrillo aims to surpass legends ahead of fighting at ONE Fight Night 23

In a recent interview with the South China Morning Post, the reporter spoke to Nico ‘King of the North” Carrillo about his upcoming opponent Saemapetch. Saemapetch commented on Carrillo’s legacy, acknowledging the fearsome fighters Carrillo has already conquered, including Nong-O Hama, Muangthai PK Saenchai, and Seksan Or. Kwanmuang (from their fight outside ONE Championship at Siam Warriors in 2022).

When asked about Saemapetch by the South China Morning Post reporter, Nico Carrillo acknowledged the statement, suggesting that many fighters have already defeated opponents like Nong-O Hama and others. Nevertheless, Carrillo recognized that defeating Saemapetch would be a significant accomplishment, adding his name to a prestigious list.

“Saemapetch is on that hit list,” Carrillo said, “Like the best foreigners ever, like John Wayne Parr and Ramon Dekkers. They are so well known because they took out all the best, and I want my name above them, actually.” Furthermore, there is no doubt that a victory in this fight will bring Carrillo closer to a future world title shot, as it has been his dream.

Nico Carrillo aims to defeat Saemapetch to fight the Haggerty-Superlek winner

Despite his short but successful run in ONE Championship, “King of the North’ Nico Carrillo hasn’t gotten ahead of himself. He’s proven his skills by facing and conquering top competition, including Nong-O Hama, which earned him the #1 ranking in ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai division. However, he’s not underestimating his upcoming opponent, Saemapetch Fairtex.

“I know I have a serious contender in front of me, ” Nico Carrillo said. ” I don’t overlook him in any way. He’s known as one of the hardest hitters in the division.” Carrillo also emphasizes his work ethic, stating he just needs a platform to showcase his abilities and ultimately secure a world title shot. “It’s just a case of me holding my position,” he explained. ” I beat Saemapetch and then I’m undeniable after that. I’m certain I should get the winner of Haggerty versus Superlek.“

Now, whether Carrillo gets the chance to fight the winner of Superlek Kiatmoo9 vs Jonathan Haggerty depends on the outcome of today’s bout at ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs. Rasulov, airing on Prime Video. Whom will you be rooting for: Nico Carrillo or Saemapetch Fairtex? Let us know in the comments!