MMA
Nico Carrillo outlines next 12 months as undisputed ONE Featherweight World Champion: 'First things first'
Published
3 months agoon
ONE ChampionshipNico Carrillo has been elevated from interim titleholder to undisputed ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion after Tawanchai PK Saenchai officially vacated the title to continue rehabbing a serious leg injury. Carrillo now returns to action against Chinese newcomer Zhou Jiaqiang in a kickboxing bout at ONE Fight Night 46 on Friday, August 14. The fight broadcasts live in U.S. primetime on Prime Video from Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium.
Tawanchai claimed the crown at ONE 161 in 2022, edging out Petchmorakot in a five-round war. His reign included statement wins over Jamal Yusupov and two victories over Superbon. That built a 10-3 record as one of the division's most dominant champions.
Carrillo earned his own opportunity the hard way. He carried a 29-4 record into his interim title shot before outworking Shadow Mavinn across five rounds at ONE Fight Night 40 in February to capture the belt.
“It's about time,†Carrillo said. “Tawanchai broke his leg a couple of months before Shadow, and I fought for the interim belt, which, in my opinion, should have been made for the undisputed belt anyway.
“Honestly, for me, I became undisputed that night when I defeated Shadow.â€
Nico Carrillo targets a lasting legacy
Stepping into a new discipline immediately after inheriting undisputed gold is a bold call, but it fits a fighter who has built his career on seeking out the toughest available tests. Carrillo has scored knockouts in six of his seven promotional victories, including a finish of former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama.
A win over Zhou would put Nico Carrillo on course to chase two-sport World Champion status, adding kickboxing hardware to a featherweight Muay Thai throne he now holds outright. He has already outlined an ambitious title-defense calendar for the months beyond August.
“First things first, when I get this kickboxing fight out the way, I want to defend my belt in November,†he said. “Then, hopefully defend my belt in February or March next year, too. Maybe I'll even eye an MMA debut in April or May next year.â€
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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MMA
Movsar Evloev warns Alexander Volkanovski: He hasnt beaten anyone like me
Published
5 hours agoon
October 23, 2026
Evloev says he has pushed himself harder than ever ahead of his
first UFC title shot.
Evloev (20-0) is scheduled to challenge Alexander
Volkanovski (28-4) for the
Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title at
UFC 333 on Oct. 24 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Ahead of the
bout, the unbeaten Russian discussed how his preparations have
differed from previous training camps.
Movsar Evloev details toughest training camp ahead of Alexander
Volkanovski title fight at UFC 333
Evloev said he increased his workload across all aspects of
training to address any potential weaknesses. He believes that
preparation will help him showcase his abilities in Saturday's main
event.
“This preparation is different just because I pushed more than
ever,†Evloev said in a pre-fight interview. “And we did more of
everything to make sure we didn't miss anything. He hasn't beaten
anyone like me. There's many things that make me special, like
unique. And I'm about to show it Saturday.â€
Evloev has long been considered a leading featherweight contender,
with Volkanovski acknowledging him as the most deserving
challenger. However, Diego Lopes
received a title rematch against Volkanovski earlier this year
before Evloev earned his opportunity. The Russian's lack of UFC
finishes has fueled debate about his wait for a championship bout,
though the promotion has not established it as the reason for the
delay.
“This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.”
Movsar
Evloev (@MovsarUFC) discusses his journey to the title shot and
his title fight matchup against champ Alexander
Volkanovski @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi |
@ParamountPlus https://t.co/fWuJJ7I2sz— UFC News (@UFCNews)
October 21, 2026
MMA
UFC 333 prop odds: Krylov-Yakhyaev favored for fastest finish
Published
23 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
MMA
Arman Tsarukyan attacks Dillon Danis igniting near riot at RAF 14 press conference
Published
24 hours agoon
October 22, 2026
Arman Tsarukyan was clarly not amused by Dillon Danis' choice of apparel at the RAF 14 press conference on Thursday.
After exchanging plenty of trash talk in a calm manner, Danis stood to show off his t-shirt when asked what he was wearing. Danis, who is never short on controversy, revealed he was wearing a customized shirt featuring Tsarukyan's teammate and friend Khamzat Chimaev.
“It says Khamzat's my bitch,†Danis responded. “And it has a picture with him without a beard.â€
A second later, Tsarukyan stood from his seat and charged at Danis looking to either silence the always outspoken grappling veteran or perhaps to take the shirt off him.
Whatever the reason, Tsarukyan's mad dash at Danis ignited a huge brawl as dozens of people charged the stage either in support of the fighters or security trying to keep them separated.
The melee nearly tore down the stage as RAF officials attempted to gain control of the situation with Danis and Tsarukyan looking for punches rather than takedowns.
When RAF officials finally gained control of the situation, the stage was cleared for the customary faceoffs but needles to say Tsarukyan and Danis did not appear again.
Tsarukyan and Danis meet in the RAF 14 main event on Friday, which kicks off at 9 p.m. ET with full coverage on MMA Fighting.
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