Lightweight Muay Thai star Liam Nolan has returned to ONE Championship with “Lethal” intentions for 2024.
After a successful comeback last month, following 14 months on the sideline, the British striking star will look to put a stamp on the division against Nauzet Trujillo at ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo this Saturday, 17 February, in Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Nolan’s victory over Ali Aliev at ONE Fight Night 18 was a pivotal moment in his career, as he feels it was a long time coming.
The 26-year-old had to overcome multiple hurdles en route back to ONE, and it was clear he wasn't going to be denied.
Still reeling from the adrenaline rush of his unanimous decision win, “Lethal” now wants to double down against Trujillo and further disrupt the World Title conversation.
“It took me to get to the third round to remember how good I can be here. When I first stepped in the ring, I was like, ‘Oh, s***, I’m about to go and do it now. It’s been a while,’” Nolan said.
“I’ve dusted the cobwebs off, and I’ve got the fresh feeling in my mind. I’m going again straight away. The way I’m looking at this, is that this is round four now. It’s the same fight, just the next round, and I’m going to build on what I did in the last three rounds.”
Nolan utilised his size and stature to perfection in his tilt with Aliev, giving him the power to control the contest and consistently tee off on his durable Russian foe.
This time around, the Londoner is preparing for a different bout altogether. Trujillo is known for his aggression, so a back-and-forth battle is expected between them.
Luckily, Nolan doesn’t mind that, and he believes the Spaniard’s hot-blooded approach to combat will prove to be his undoing on Saturday.
“He’s game. He’s very game. He’s not technically as good as Aliev, who I just fought, but he wants to exchange. I like that about him, but with my stature and my abilities, I think that will be his downfall, man,” he said.
“I think I’m going to knock this guy out, man. At some point in the fight, I have to. The dust was shaken off last time. But I’m settling for nothing less than a finish here.”
