Nico Carrillo Muay Thai: “Superlek’s one of them”

Nico Carrillo may not have lived in Thailand during his Muay Thai career, but he remains an astute student of the art of eight limbs.

The Scottish knockout monster is one of the most experienced fighters in the sport and believes Superlek Kiatmoo9 is in rarefied air within the Muay Thai scene.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Carrillo said he has nothing but respect for the man he will challenge for the Muay Thai Bantamweight World Title at ONE 170 on January 24, 2025 at Impact Arena.

Carrillo said that although Muay Thai has gone global, there are still a few special Thai fighters who have separated themselves from their generation.

One of those fighters, Carrillo said, is Superlek:

“But there are these Thais who come in from time to time and are special, and Superlek is one of them. Even with the big gloves on, he’s been winning his fights in stadiums before ONE existed.”

Superlek is already one of the best strikers of this generation, but he is also on his way to becoming one of the best Muay Thai fighters of all time.

‘The Kicking Machine’ has a professional record of 139-29-4 and holds the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing and Bantamweight Muay Thai World Titles.

The 29-year-old is also a WBC and two-division Muay Thai world champion at Lumpinee Stadium.

Superlek, however, reached the peak of his powers when he began wreaking havoc on ONE Championship.

With a promotional record of 15-1, Superlek is the only person to beat fellow Thai megastar Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a surprising bout at ONE Championship.

Watch Nico Carrillo’s full interview below:

Nico Carrillo says his only goal is to dethrone Superlek at ONE 170

Nico Carrillo will always keep his options open in his career, but he is not one to look too far into the future, especially when he is ready for the biggest fight of his life.

In an interview with Leather’d Podcast, Carrillo said his only goal is to take the Muay Thai Bantamweight World Title from Superlek Kiatmoo9 when they meet at ONE 170 in Bangkok.

He said:

“Obviously, my whole mindset is on this 145-pound gold. Absolutely. But I risked my neck in the light right now, I risked my neck on the line and said once I win this, I’m going to do this.” And I’m going to do that, and I will. But right now, that belt is all I’m focused on.”