Nico Carrillo is ready for Nabil Anane, and the reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion has more than just his title on the line. The Scottish fighter wants revenge for the first-round stoppage that ended his 15-fight winning streak in January 2025.
Carrillo will defend his world title against Anane at The Inner Circle 43 on Friday, December 18, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The five-round rematch will give the champion a chance to settle the score with the man who handed him one of the toughest losses of his career.
Their first meeting at ONE 170 ended badly for Carrillo. Anane used his reach and striking to knock the Scotsman down three times before stopping him in the first round to claim the interim ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
The defeat forced Carrillo to rethink his future at bantamweight. Since moving up to featherweight, however, he has rebuilt his momentum and established himself as one of the division’s top fighters.
Carrillo secured finishes against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong and Luke Lessei before defeating Shadow Mavinn over five rounds at ONE Fight Night 40 to claim the interim featherweight title. In July, Tawanchai PK Saenchai vacated the belt while recovering from an injury, elevating Carrillo to undisputed champion.
Now, the Scottish star has the opportunity to avenge his loss to Anane while protecting the title he worked hard to earn.
“I was absolutely buzzing when I knew it was Nabil. We’ve always wanted this fight – I’ve always wanted this fight. Since I moved up weight, I’ve always said whenever Nabil comes up, I will welcome him to the division.”
The champion is also coming off a successful kickboxing debut. In August, Carrillo knocked out Zhou Jiaqiang in the second round at ONE Fight Night 46 as he continued his pursuit of becoming a two-sport world champion.
However, the rematch with Anane gives him unfinished business to handle first. A victory would level their rivalry at one win apiece and potentially set up a trilogy between the two knockout artists.
Nico Carrillo says he is a different fighter ahead of the Nabil Anane rematch
Anane changed the course of Carrillo’s career when they first met in January 2025. The Algerian-Thai fighter stopped the Scotsman at ONE 170, ending his 15-fight winning streak and exposing the physical challenges Carrillo faced while competing at bantamweight.
Carrillo has since admitted that he should not have fought that night. Despite making weight and passing hydration checks, he believes his body was not ready for the demands of the division.
The 28-year-old now insists he will enter the rematch in much better condition and believes the changes he has made since their first meeting will make a difference.
“The only reason I fought is that I’m so headstrong, and I didn’t want to let the company down. But, obviously, I should never have fought. I was too unhealthy.
“This time, I’m much healthier, fitter, and stronger. He’s going to be up against someone totally different.”
Anane has also continued to compete against top-level opposition since their first encounter. After defeating Carrillo, he beat Superlek to become the undisputed ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion. He later lost the title to Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon and suffered a split-decision defeat against Suakim Pongsuphan PK in August.
The 22-year-old bounced back with a unanimous-decision victory over Yuki Yoza at ONE SAMURAI 4 earlier this month. Ranked No. 3 at bantamweight, Anane now has the chance to capture the featherweight crown while securing another win over Carrillo.
