‘It’s An Even Killer Story’ – Nico Carrillo Details His Rocky Road To Second World Title Shot

For Nico “King of the North” Carrillo, the pursuit of a World Title isn’t a story of immediate success, but one defined by resilience and a willingness to adapt. After a setback in his previous bid for championship gold, the Scottish martial artist is once again on the cusp of a defining moment in his career.

A Second Chance at Glory

On Friday, February 13, Carrillo will compete against Thailand’s Shadow Singha Mawynn for the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship. The event, ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video, will be broadcast live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium. This fight represents a crucial opportunity for Carrillo to reclaim his path to the top.

Carrillo doesn’t view his prior loss to Nabil Anane as a failure, but as a pivotal experience that has reshaped his journey. He believes the struggle has made the potential victory all the more meaningful.

“It doesn’t change anything. It just makes it feel sweeter for me,” Carrillo stated. “It’s an even killer story that I’d done that – got to the pinnacle, fell off, had to restart, and do it all over again to prove to people that as long as you don’t give up…that you can make things happen.”

Refocusing and Rebuilding

The stoppage loss to Anane prompted Carrillo to reassess his approach. Rather than immediately attempting another run at the bantamweight title, he made the strategic decision to return to the featherweight division, where he felt he could perform at his best.

This change proved successful. Since moving up in weight, Carrillo has secured victories against formidable opponents, including seven-time Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Sitthichai “Killer Kid” Sitsongpeenong and American fighter Luke “The Chef” Lessei. He has maintained a 100 percent finishing rate in his six victories within the organization.

“It’s a cool story to tell,” Carrillo said. “But it didn’t just go all plain sailing the first time, and I did have to go through a bit of a rocky thing. Back to the bottom of the mountain, climb up again. So for me, I think it’s even sweeter, and I won’t miss it this time.”

Discipline and a Broader Perspective

Carrillo emphasizes that his mindset has evolved since his initial World Title opportunity. He attributes this shift not to increased urgency, but to the lessons learned through experience.

The loss to Anane served as a powerful reminder that sustained success requires more than just ambition. It demands discipline and consistency.

“Listen, motivation is crap,” Carrillo explained. “Motivation comes and it’s gone in the blink of an eye. It’s discipline that keeps me going. It’s consistency that keeps me going.”

This newfound clarity extends beyond his training regimen. Carrillo now views his journey as a collective effort, particularly since his marriage to Aimee McElhinney last June. He sees a potential World Title victory not as a personal achievement, but as a triumph shared with those who have supported him.

“If I win this belt, it’s a victory for everyone who’s been involved in this journey,” Carrillo stated. “It’s a victory for my wife, my coach, my team…everyone who believed in this dream. The World Title represents what I stand for, and that’s hard work.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What championship is Nico Carrillo competing for?

Nico Carrillo is competing for the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship.

Who is Nico Carrillo’s opponent?

Nico Carrillo’s opponent is Shadow Singha Mawynn.

When and where is the fight taking place?

The fight is taking place on Friday, February 13, at ONE Fight Night 40 on Prime Video, live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

What does Carrillo believe is the key to his success now, compared to his previous title attempt?