Nico Carrillo: The Running Passion Behind His Featherweight Success

Nico Carrillo, known as the "King of the North," has become a formidable presence in the featherweight division, with his recent victory at ONE Fight Night 40 solidifying his reputation. In February, he secured the ONE Interim Featherweight Muay Thai World Championship by defeating Shadow Mavinn in a grueling five-round battle, showcasing his remarkable strength and stamina.

However, outside the ring, the 27-year-old fighter reveals a lesser-known aspect of his training regimen that fuels his competitive drive: running. Early in the morning, before his sparring sessions, Carrillo is often spotted hitting the pavement, not just as a routine exercise but as a genuine passion that has become essential to his overall performance.

“Running really is a beautiful thing. I just love it,” Carrillo shared. He often runs solo or brings along his dog, Cali, enjoying the tranquility of the experience. “It’s a perfect way for me to disconnect from everything else for a bit, while you just soak up the atmospheres or whatever you come across during a run.”

For Carrillo, running is more than a simple workout; it is fundamental to his training strategy. He meticulously plans his running schedule to align with the specific physiological requirements of fight preparation. His impressive VO2 max of 65 places him among elite endurance athletes, ensuring he can maintain peak performance throughout intense bouts.

As he explained, “During the first few weeks of camp, I do my threshold running every Monday. It is one kilometer repeats. It’s the best way to build the engine.” These sessions are anything but easy, with Carrillo clocking in at a staggering pace of 3 minutes and 30 seconds per kilometer, all while managing a heart rate of 157 beats per minute.

Looking ahead, Carrillo has his sights set on the Ultra Scotland 100, a grueling ultramarathon that spans 104 miles of rugged Scottish landscape. “I’ve thought about doing that one multiple times,” he said, noting that his fight schedule has consistently interfered with his plans. Nonetheless, this challenging race remains a goal he hopes to pursue once his commitments allow.