Cameron Hanes - Keep Hammering Collective KHC 192 - Nico Carrillo
16 snips
Apr 30, 2026 Nico Carrillo, Scottish Muay Thai world champion known for WMO and ISKA titles, and a top welterweight, shares his fighting journey. He talks about growing up, training in Thailand versus modern methods, planning a move to MMA, ultra running’s mental edge, nutrition and recovery, and balancing tradition with sports science.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
U.S. Market Unlocks Wider Sponsorships
- Nico notes mainstream exposure and sponsorships are far easier from the U.S. market, while Asia favors local stars, so location affects marketing leverage.
- He said becoming mainstream in the U.S. often means global recognition and improved endorsement opportunities.
Quit Apprenticeship To Chase Paid Muay Thai
- Nico had multiple world titles (ISKA, WMO) before signing with ONE Championship and only started earning real money after joining ONE.
- Before that he quit an electrician apprenticeship at 20 to pursue Muay Thai full time when promotions started offering meaningful pay.
Muay Thai Is Peak Standing Striking
- Nico calls Muay Thai striking the most perfected striking art, optimized for maximum damage with minimal personal cost.
- He argued that facing a specialist Muay Thai striker in pure stand-up gives the striker a large advantage over non-specialists.
