Nico Carrillo achieved more than championship glory at ONE Fight Night 40 on February 14.
The Scottish knockout artist dominated Thai sensation Shadow Mavinn over five rounds to claim a unanimous decision and the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Title in the co-main event.
Carrillo gradually took control after Shadow started strong, picking up the pace as the rounds progressed. The decisive moment arrived in the fourth round when the Deachkalek Muay Thai Academy representative dropped his opponent with a thudding right hand for the fight's only knockdown.
The performance improved Carrillo's ONE Championship record to 7-1 and his career mark to 30-4, positioning him for a unification bout against reigning champion Tawanchai PK Saenchai, who is currently rehabbing from a serious injury.
For Carrillo, seeing years of visualization finally materialize into success brought overwhelming emotions.
"It feels good. It feels like reality now. I've pictured this for so long, so it's nice for that to come true," Carrillo said.
The victory allowed the 27-year-old to fulfill a deeply personal promise to his wife.
Beyond the gold, the Scottish striker revealed a touching motivation that drove him through grueling training camps and difficult fights. Having his wife present for this crowning achievement represented the culmination of a promise he made long ago.
"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. And that was the dream today, one day, and it came true," Carrillo explained.
That financial security, earned through his dominance over the 26-year-old Thai warrior, adds profound meaning to the interim title.
Despite the obvious path leading to a unification showdown with Tawanchai, Carrillo showcased the focused mindset that carried him to victory.
"I've not thought about it. I haven't focused on that. I've just been focused on Shadow," Carrillo said.
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