Nico Carrillo’s plans for 2025 represent the perfect blend of ambition, dedication, and personal growth
As he continues to dominate in the ring and build a fulfilling life outside of it, Carrillo exemplifies what it means to be a true champion.
With his sights set on Superlek and his determination to balance professional success with personal happiness, Carrillo’s journey promises to be an exciting one.
The “King of the North” is ready to evolve, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on the world of Muay Thai. For fans and followers alike, the year ahead offers a front-row seat to witness Carrillo’s continued rise to greatness.
As January 24 approaches, the anticipation for ONE 170 continues to build. Nico Carrillo and Nabil Anane are set to deliver a thrilling fight with significant implications for the bantamweight Muay Thai division.
With a star-studded card and world-class talent on display, ONE 170 promises to kick off 2025 in spectacular fashion. Whether you’re a die-hard Muay Thai fan or a casual viewer, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Also Read: Jonathan Haggerty vs. Nico Carrillo: The Rivalry Set to Be Settled Inside the Ring
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Nico Carrillo’s Aspirations for 2025
A Champion’s Path On and Off the Ring
The year 2024 solidified Nico Carrillo’s reputation as a top-tier bantamweight Muay Thai fighter in ONE Championship.1
With his nickname, “King of the North,” Carrillo closed out the year with an incredible performance, knocking out Saemapetch Fairtex in the second round at ONE Fight Night 23.
Now, as 2025 unfolds, the Scottish fighter has big plans to evolve both his career and personal life. Let’s delve into his journey, his aspirations, and his roadmap for the coming year.
A Stellar 2024 Campaign: Carrillo’s Triumph Against Saemapetch Fairtex
Nico Carrillo entered 2024 with high expectations, and he certainly lived up to the hype. His sole bout of the year saw him clash with Saemapetch Fairtex, a seasoned Muay Thai veteran.
The fight was a true showcase of Carrillo’s skills, as he delivered a devastating second-round knockout that left fans and critics in awe.
The victory marked Carrillo’s fourth consecutive knockout in ONE Championship, reinforcing his dominance in the bantamweight division.
Prior to defeating Saemapetch, Carrillo had already built an impressive promotional record with wins over Furkan Karabag, Muangthai PK Saenchai, and the legendary Nong-O Hama.
Each of these victories demonstrated his relentless striking power, precision, and ability to adapt to high-pressure situations.
Nico Carrillo: Aiming for Superlek
The Ultimate Challenge
For 2025, Carrillo has set his sights on an even bigger challenge: a fight against Superlek Kiatmoo9, one of the most respected names in Muay Thai.2
Superlek, known for his technical brilliance and durability, represents the pinnacle of competition in the division.
A victory over Superlek would not only enhance Carrillo’s legacy but also position him as one of the greatest bantamweight fighters of all time.
During an interview with ONE Championship, Carrillo expressed his confidence and determination to face Superlek:
“My goals for 2025 are to beat Superlek, get a nice check, get married, have a great honeymoon, and then get back to action.”
Carrillo’s ambition to conquer Superlek aligns with his long-term plan of cementing himself as a global Muay Thai icon. A victory in such a high-stakes matchup would also bring lucrative rewards, boosting his financial stability and career prospects.
Balancing Personal and Professional Goals
While Carrillo remains laser-focused on his fighting career, 2025 is set to be a transformative year for him outside of the ring as well.
In addition to pursuing championship glory, Carrillo has plans to tie the knot and embark on a memorable honeymoon.
Balancing a demanding athletic career with personal commitments is no small feat, but Carrillo is determined to excel in both areas.
Marriage represents a significant milestone in Carrillo’s life, symbolizing his desire to build a stable foundation beyond the sport.
His ability to balance personal growth with professional aspirations speaks to his maturity and vision for a fulfilling future.
Nico Carrillo: Training Regimen
The Key to Carrillo’s Success
Carrillo’s success in the ring is a result of his rigorous training regimen and relentless work ethic.3
The Scottish fighter trains at a world-class facility with a team of elite coaches and sparring partners. His daily routine includes:
- Strength and Conditioning: Focused on enhancing his power and endurance to deliver knockout blows.
- Technical Drills: Refining his striking accuracy, defensive maneuvers, and clinch work.
- Sparring Sessions: Simulating fight scenarios to prepare for high-level competition.
- Mental Preparation: Practicing visualization and mindfulness to stay composed under pressure.
Carrillo’s dedication to training ensures that he remains in peak physical and mental condition, ready to face any opponent that comes his way.
Reflecting on His Journey: From Scotland to ONE Championship
Nico Carrillo’s rise to prominence in the world of Muay Thai is nothing short of inspirational.
Hailing from Scotland, a country not traditionally known for producing elite Muay Thai fighters, Carrillo has defied the odds to establish himself as one of the sport’s top contenders.
Carrillo’s journey began in local gyms, where he honed his craft and developed a passion for Muay Thai. Over the years, he faced numerous challenges, including limited opportunities and fierce competition.
However, his perseverance and unwavering self-belief allowed him to overcome these obstacles and earn a contract with ONE Championship.
Today, Carrillo is a role model for aspiring fighters in Scotland and beyond, proving that with hard work and determination, dreams can become reality.
Expanding His Brand and Legacy
As Carrillo continues to make waves in the Muay Thai world, he is also focused on building his brand and expanding his influence outside the ring.
Through endorsements, social media, and community engagement, Carrillo aims to connect with fans and inspire the next generation of athletes.
One of Carrillo’s key initiatives is to promote the growth of Muay Thai in Scotland. By conducting workshops, collaborating with local gyms, and sharing his experiences, he hopes to raise awareness about the sport and create opportunities for young talent.
Carrillo’s efforts to expand his legacy demonstrate his commitment to giving back to the community and leaving a lasting impact on the sport he loves.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Carrillo?
As 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on Nico Carrillo as he embarks on his journey to achieve his ambitious goals.
Whether it’s facing Superlek, celebrating personal milestones, or inspiring others, Carrillo is determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
With his exceptional skills, unyielding determination, and supportive team, there’s no doubt that Carrillo has what it takes to reach new heights in his career.
Fans can look forward to witnessing more thrilling performances and memorable moments from the “King of the North” in the months to come.
Also Read: Superbon Eager to See Superlek’s Strategy Against Giant Nico Carrillo in Potential Showdown
Nico Carrillo: Victory at ONE 170
Muay Thai enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting ONE 170, set to take place on January 24 at the Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
While the event promises to be packed with exhilarating action, one of the most intriguing storylines revolves around the highly-anticipated bout between Nico Carrillo and Nabil Anane for the interim bantamweight Muay Thai world title.
This article delves into Carrillo’s journey, Anane’s rise, and the larger implications of this clash. We will also take a look at the star-studded card, featuring other world title bouts that will headline the event.
ONE 170 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting combat sports events of the year. From the high-stakes interim world title bout between Carrillo and Anane to the championship rematches featuring Tawanchai and Andrade, the card is packed with must-watch fights.
Fans can expect a night of technical brilliance, highlight-reel finishes, and unforgettable moments as some of the best fighters in the world showcase their skills.
A Star-Studded Main Event: Tawanchai vs. Superbon
While Carrillo vs. Anane serves as a major highlight, the main event of ONE 170 is equally compelling. Tawanchai PK Saenchai will defend his featherweight Muay Thai world title in a rematch against Superbon Singha Mawynn.
The first meeting between these two titans saw Tawanchai emerge victorious, solidifying his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. However, Superbon has since retooled his game and is eager to reclaim the throne.
Fans are expecting a technical masterclass as these two striking savants collide once again.
Adding to the excitement of the night, Fabricio Andrade will defend his bantamweight MMA world title against Kwon Won Il in a high-stakes rematch.
Andrade, known for his dynamic striking and submission prowess, secured a convincing win in their first encounter. However, Kwon has made significant improvements in his game and is determined to dethrone the Brazilian champion.
With both fighters possessing knockout power and a flair for the dramatic, this fight has all the makings of a show-stealer.
Nico Carrillo’s Determination to Claim Gold
Nico Carrillo enters 2025 with the mindset of a champion. Ranked number two in the bantamweight Muay Thai division, the Scottish standout is no stranger to high-pressure situations.
Carrillo initially prepared to take on undisputed bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9 in what was expected to be a thrilling encounter.
However, an unfortunate injury forced Superlek to withdraw, leaving Carrillo with a new challenge: facing number five-ranked Nabil Anane.
Despite the sudden change in opponents, Carrillo remains laser-focused on securing the interim world title and setting the stage for a unification bout against Superlek later in the year.
Speaking to fans ahead of the fight, Carrillo expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to any opponent:
“It doesn’t matter who stands across from me in the ring. My goal remains the same—to dominate and leave with the title.”
Nico Carrillo: Training
Nico Carrillo often sharing his training video on his social media profile and showing his dedication for gold.
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Nabil Anane’s Road to Redemption
Standing tall at six-foot-two, Nabil Anane is a striking anomaly in the bantamweight division. The Algerian-Thai striker made his ONE Championship debut in June 2023 against Superlek, suffering a tough loss in that encounter.
Since then, Anane has showcased his resilience and talent by racking up five consecutive wins, including several highlight-reel finishes.
Anane’s decision to permanently move up to the bantamweight division has proven fruitful, as he now finds himself within reach of an interim world title.
The 20-year-old phenom is determined to prove his doubters wrong and secure a rematch with Superlek, this time on equal footing.
In a pre-fight interview, Anane shared his thoughts on facing Carrillo:
“Nico is a tough fighter, but I’ve been preparing for this moment for months. I’m ready to show the world why I belong at the top.”
Also Read: Nico Carrillo Refutes Claims of Leg Kick Weakness After Fierce Nong-O Battle
