Nico Carrillo elated after capturing interim featherweight Muay Thai world title at ONE Fight Night 40: “I’ve pictured this for so long”

Scottish knockout artist Nico Carrillo finally achieved the dream he visualized for years. The 27-year-old captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title by defeating Thai standout Shadow Mavinn via unanimous decision over five grueling rounds in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 40 on Friday, February 13, inside Bangkok’s Lumpinee Stadium.

Shadow started strong with signature leg kicks and punches that tested the Scottish challenger early. However, Carrillo picked up the pace as rounds progressed. He methodically broke down the 26-year-old Thai star with powerful punches and relentless forward pressure. For years, the Glasgow native visualized wearing ONE Championship gold during training sessions and long flights to fight camps. That mental preparation made Friday’s reality feel surreal.

Carrillo’s game plan against Shadow showed the evolution of his fight IQ. Rather than engaging in wild brawls that defined earlier performances, he implemented a disciplined strategy that neutralized Shadow’s most dangerous weapons. The newly crowned interim king focused on hurting and moving while avoiding Shadow’s leg kicks and elbow attacks. His conditioning proved exceptional across five hard rounds.

“The game plan was to hurt and move, not allow Shadow to attack my leg,” Carrillo said. “I focused on not going for the finish straight away. If it came, it came. But we trained for five rounds. As you can see, my conditioning was amazing. I’ve never gone five rounds [as] hard as I fought, and fresh as I am. No one trains as hard as me.”

Nico Carrillo praises opponent’s toughness

Nico Carrillo gained newfound respect for Shadow Singha Mawynn’s toughness and willingness to trade despite the power disadvantage. The Thai sensation absorbed punishment that would have crumbled lesser fighters. He continued engaging until the final seconds. Carrillo offered genuine praise for his opponent’s heart and resilience throughout the championship battle.

The immediate future involves a title unification bout against reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, who is currently rehabbing an injury. That clash represents the biggest opportunity of Carrillo’s career. However, the Scottish striker remained focused on celebrating his accomplishment rather than looking ahead to future challenges.

Beyond professional achievement, Friday’s victory held deeply personal significance for Carrillo. His wife traveled to Bangkok to witness his coronation moment. Years ago, he promised her the life he would provide through his fighting career. The dream finally came true when the belt was wrapped around his waist.

“It’s been a dream of mine to have my wife here. I told my wife, one day I’m going to take her out of her job so she wouldn’t have to work anymore,” Carrillo said. “And that was the dream today, one day, and it came true.”