315) Nico Carrillo - My Journey to Muay Thai Glory

Jun 22, 2025

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Today’s conversation is with Nico Carrillo.

Nico Carrillo is one of the most dangerous Muay Thai fighters on the planet and a rising star in ONE Championship.

Known as “The King of The North,” Nico’s story is one of redemption, discipline, and relentless self-belief.

We go back to where it all started—growing up in Scotstoun, falling into the gang lifestyle, and being involved in a serious incident in his teens.

Expect to learn:

How Muay Thai became the path that pulled Nico out of gang life and led to full-time fighting—quitting his electrician trade just a month before qualifying
The mentors and role models who helped shape his mindset and discipline
The financial realities of building a career in combat sports
How Nico developed his devastating body shots and skilful clinch work
What it meant to defeat legends like Nong-O in ONE Championship
How he bounced back from a first-round loss to Nabil and the decision to move up a weight class
Why he stays lean, focused, and fight-ready year-round
Nico’s love for ultra-marathons and what running teaches him about mental toughness
The influence of David Goggins and how tools like visualisation
Why we live in a fortunate to learn from experts on podcasts like Alex Hormozi & Chris Williamson
The impact of his strength and conditioning coach Ross McGaffney and his close relationship with his coach JP Gallacher
His thoughts on being a role model and the message he’d give to directionless young men in the UK
The mindset required to reach the top of combat sports and stay there

Expect inspiration, hard truths, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to make it to the top in combat sports.

Today’s episode is optimised by Puresport.
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Connect with Nico:
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/nicocarrillo_kotn/

Connect with Col:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/col.cambro/
Email List: https://mailchi.mp/548e38ba5942/colincambro
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ColCampbell