Nico Carrillo’s trainer reflects on past mistakes against Nong-O Hama despite second-round knockout win at ONE Friday Fights 46: “I couldn’t block him”

ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai Contender, Number One Nico “King of the North” Carrillo He established his dominance just a few weeks ago with a knockout victory against the No. 4 ranked fighter. Saemapetch Fairtex in a bantamweight Muay Thai bout at ONE Fight Night 23. His interest now shifts to challenging the winner of the upcoming ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship fight between Superlek Kiatmoo9 and Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver on September 6.

Meanwhile, Nico Carrillo’s trainer JP Gallacher recently recalled Carrillo’s fight against Nong-O Hama last year. He revealed how Carrillo turned the fight around after being stopped in the first round.

Coach Nico Carrillo’s reflections on last season’s victory

From the start of the fight, Nico Carrillo began to throw his fists at Nong-O Hama’s face, taking advantage of his reach advantage. However, in response, the Thai legend mercilessly attacked Carrillo’s legs with low kicks, which seemed to favor him in the first round.

Analyzing the fight, JP Gallacher stated: “One question that is still on everyone’s lips today is how we managed to turn the fight around. Here’s how we did it, starting with the mistake that almost cost us the fight. I will take full blame because I completely underestimated the power of Nong-O Hama’s kicks.” Gallacher further stated: “As you can see here, the plan was to block it, but Nico couldn’t do it because it hurt. Nico said, “O-Hama probably has the hardest shins he’s ever felt in his life.”

Even after a subpar first round, JP Gallacher claimed that they were not worried about the second. Using sign language to communicate with Nico Carrillo inside the ring, Coach Gallacher instructed him to counter Nong-O’s kicks by backing up. This would force the Thai legend to close this distance, allowing Carrillo to land a powerful left elbow that ultimately dropped Nong-O Hama.

Now, both Nico Carrillo and his coach JP Gallacher are focused on the upcoming ONE 168; Denver event, as Carrillo is considering a possible fight against the winner of Superlek vs. Haggerty. Carrillo recently expressed in an interview his interest in fighting Superlek, believing it would favor him.

Carrillo on the result of Superlek vs. Haggerty

We’re just months away from witnessing ONE Championship’s second event on American soil, where Jonathan Haggerty’s ONE Muay Thai Bantamweight World Title will be on the line against “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on September 6. This matchup has captured the attention of fight fans around the world.

Meanwhile, Nico Carrillo, who recently defeated Saemapetch Fairtex to cement his position as a title contender, revealed in a recent interview with the South China Morning Post how a win at Superlek could really benefit him. He explained: ““And I think if Superlek wins, he’ll be happy to defend his title straight away. If Haggerty wins, he’ll probably take a six-month holiday and not defend his title until next year.”

Nico Carrillo has undoubtedly proven himself to be a formidable contender. However, facing Superlek Kiatmoo9 would be a massive challenge. What do you think about Nico Carrillo’s chances if he gets a title shot against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the future? Do you think he could defeat him for the ONE Muay Thai Bantamweight World Title? Comment below.