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In the electrifying world of ONE Championship, the rise of Scottish sensation Nico Carrillo has been nothing short of meteoric. With the fervor of a true contender, Carrillo has boldly declared his intention to challenge the revered Jonathan Haggerty for the prestigious ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
Carrillo's journey to the summit gained momentum after a thunderous knockout victory over former champion Nong-O Hama at ONE Friday Fights 46 in December. His unwavering confidence was palpable when he asserted,
"I just knocked out Nong-O. I don’t need to test myself against anybody. Just give me the title shot now."
Fueling Carrillo's ambition, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong seems to share the fighter's enthusiasm for this colossal clash. Talks suggest that ONE Championship is actively pushing for the epic showdown at ONE 166: Qatar on March 1, stirring anticipation within the martial arts community.
Undeterred by the weight of the challenge ahead, Carrillo, exuding determination, proclaims his readiness to face Haggerty head-on:
"Let’s do it."
For Carrillo, the victory over Nong-O Hama was more than just a win; it was the realization of his relentless visualization and determination.
"Every time I put my head on the pillow to go to sleep, my mind would just start racing and I would just think of Nong-O lying on the canvas. So yeah, I envisioned this," he revealed.
Defeating a revered Muay Thai legend like Nong-O has cemented Carrillo's belief that he rightfully belongs among the elite in the sport. As he reflects on the monumental win, he expresses,
"[I felt] relief because my leg was sore. It was just a matter of time; he took some big shots from me, so it was just a matter of time. I knew that one of them would get him out of there."
As the countdown to ONE 166 begins, the stage is set for an epic clash between Carrillo and Haggerty, promising a showdown that could redefine the landscape of Bantamweight Muay Thai.
Brace yourselves for an encounter that encapsulates raw skill, unwavering determination, and the pursuit of greatness.