Nico Carrillo Set for Kickboxing Debut as Scotland's "King of the North" Returns to ONE Championship

A New Challenge Awaits Nico Carrillo

One of Britain's most explosive striking talents is preparing for the next chapter of his career. Scotland's Nico Carrillo will make his highly anticipated ONE Championship kickboxing debut on August 15, facing China's Zhou Jiaqiang at ONE Fight Night 46 in Bangkok.

The featherweight contest marks Carrillo's first appearance under kickboxing rules after establishing himself as one of the world's elite Muay Thai fighters. The event will take place at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

From Muay Thai Star to Global Contender

Nicknamed the "King of the North," Carrillo built his reputation through a relentless string of knockout victories across the UK and Europe before attracting the attention of ONE Championship.

The Glasgow-born striker enjoyed an 11-fight winning streak that included capturing the WBC Muay Thai European Championship, earning recognition as one of Europe's most dangerous Muay Thai athletes. His aggressive style, devastating body shots and finishing power quickly made him a fan favourite.

ONE Championship Launches His Rise

Carrillo wasted little time making an impact after signing with ONE Championship.

Impressive knockout victories over Furkan Karabag and Muangthai PK Saenchai showcased his explosive power and earned him a lucrative six-figure contract with the world's largest martial arts organisation.

His performances confirmed that he belonged among the sport's elite and positioned him for a world title opportunity.

A Painful Defeat Changed Everything

Carrillo's first attempt at world championship glory came against Nabil Anane for the ONE Interim Bantamweight Muay Thai title.

Although the Scottish star suffered a disappointing defeat, the experience proved to be a turning point in his career. Rather than remaining at bantamweight, Carrillo and his team decided to move up to featherweight — a division better suited to his natural size and power.

That decision would completely transform his fortunes.

World Title Glory at Last

The move to featherweight immediately paid dividends.

Carrillo stopped legendary striker Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong with a spectacular body-shot knockout before defeating American contender Luke Lessei to secure a shot at the interim featherweight Muay Thai championship.

He then produced the finest performance of his career, defeating Shadow Singha Mawynn over five hard-fought rounds to capture the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title and fulfil a lifelong ambition.

Kickboxing Presents a Fresh Test

Now Carrillo enters unfamiliar territory.

Although many of his striking skills naturally translate into kickboxing, the rule set places greater emphasis on boxing combinations, movement and tactical adjustments, making his debut against Zhou Jiaqiang an intriguing challenge.

For Carrillo, victory would demonstrate that his talents extend beyond Muay Thai and establish him as a serious force in another combat sport.

Can the "King of the North" Continue His Rise?

With world championship success already secured in Muay Thai, Carrillo now has an opportunity to build an entirely new legacy.

Fans will be eager to see whether the devastating knockout artist can carry his trademark aggression into kickboxing and continue climbing the ranks inside ONE Championship.

A convincing victory over Zhou Jiaqiang on August 15 would not only mark a successful debut under new rules but could also open the door to future title opportunities in a second discipline.