Luke Lessei Claims Reach And Versatility Trump Nico Carrillo’s Power
Luke Lessei secured his biggest opportunity through direct conversation with ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong, trading social media callouts for immediate executive access that will deliver this Friday’s featherweight Muay Thai collision with Nico Carrillo at ONE Fight Night 37: Kryklia vs. Agdeve in Bangkok.
The 29-year-old American striker waited patiently after his January first-round demolition of Cody Jerome at ONE Fight Night 27, maintaining training intensity while hunting his next assignment. When Chatri asked if he wanted to fight, Lessei responded immediately, securing the fourth-ranked Scottish knockout artist as his co-main event opponent broadcasting live in U.S. primetime on November 7.
Carrillo brings intimidating credentials built on four consecutive bantamweight victories over Thai icons including former champion Nong-O Hama, Muangthai PK Saenchai, and Saemapetch Fairtex. His January loss to Nabil Anane at ONE 170 prompted his permanent featherweight move, where he immediately announced his arrival through knockout destruction of striking legend Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong.
That devastating power has led observers to question whether the 6-foot-2 Lessei can withstand the Scottish brawler’s heavy-handed approach. “The Chef” dismisses those concerns through experience facing powerful opponents throughout his career, viewing Carrillo’s knockout ability as standard professional equipment rather than unique advantage.
Instead, Lessei identifies his own distinct advantages that could exploit vulnerabilities in Carrillo’s aggressive style. His physical reach combined with striking versatility creates problems for opponents who rely primarily on power rather than technical variety.
“I just feel like I have a little bit more of a variety within my strikes,” Lessei said.
His promotional journey has weathered significant turbulence since his December 2023 debut loss to Jo Nattawut. A close victory over Eddie Abasolo preceded a heartbreaking late TKO defeat against Bampara Kouyate at ONE Fight Night 23, where he dominated until the final minute before getting stopped. That loss still stings enough to fuel rematch desires once he handles Carrillo.
Victory over the Scottish knockout artist would firmly establish Lessei among featherweight Muay Thai elite while positioning him for bigger opportunities, though his ambitions extend beyond simple rankings advancement.
“I think this fight ends with people going, ‘He’s one of the most skilled strikers of our generation,'” he said. “That’s what I’m thinking.”
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