“Taper Time”- Nico Carrillo Finishes Camp for Saemapetch Fairtex as the Muay Thai Clash at One Fight Night 23 Awaits

ONE Fight Night 23: Ok vs Rasulov is set for next week at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok on U.S. primetime on Friday, July 5. The stacked fight card features several high-profile matchups, including a bantamweight Muay Thai clash between #1-ranked contender Nico Carrillo and Saemapetch Fairtex, one of the pioneers of ONE’s all-striking division.

In a recent social media post, “King of the North” Nico Carrillo provided an update on his training with just one week to go before his clash against #4-ranked ONE bantamweight Muay Thai contender, Saemapetch Fairtex.

Nico Carrillo finishes camp for ONE Fight Night 23

The 25-year-old Nico Carrillo boasts an undefeated record since his debut. He displayed his dominant power by knocking out notable opponents like Nong-O Hama and Muangthai PK Saenchai. “King of the North” has a 100% finish rate – against elite competition, no less – in the world’s largest martial arts organization, which earned him a reputation for being one of the most prolific knockout artists on the planet today. 

In his post, Carrillo confirmed he’s wrapped up his training camp for his upcoming fight against Saemapetch Fairtex. He wrote, ” Camp complete. Taper time. If I am not ready now, I will never be. Thank you to everyone who has played their part in this camp. It’s showtime.”

This fight with Saemapetch is crucial for Nico Carrillo because it will make him an undeniable challenger for the current bantamweight Muay Thai King and two-sport World Champion, Jonathan Haggerty. Haggerty mentioned this possibility in an interview, and Carrillo has confirmed it as his desire.

Nico Carrillo eyes Jonathan Haggerty showdown

For a long time, Nico Carrillo has been campaigning for a title shot, calling out reigning two-sport bantamweight World Champion, Jonathan Haggerty. The 25-year-old knockout artist claims he’s ready to face Haggerty whenever he wants. This was made clear in an interview with Sky Sports MMA Club back in April.

“I think next month,” Carrillo said adding,  “I’d fight him in two weeks. I’m ready. Weeks notice or whatever, I’m ready to fight. Everyone knows I want to fight. I had my heart set on fighting him last summer, but yeah, unfortunately, I can’t answer the question. I don’t know, but the sooner the better for me.” 

However, he will have to wait a bit more, as Haggerty is currently focused on defending his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at the upcoming ONE 168: Denver event. The potential matchup remains intriguing though, especially if Carrillo can overcome Saemapetch next week and “The General” retains his belt against the dangerous Superlek.

Would you like to see Haggerty vs. Carrillo square off for ONE gold? Let us know in the comments below.