On Saturday, 3rd May, inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Stadium, “Lethal” will meet Spain’s Nauzet Trujillo in a lightweight Muay Thai rematch of their February 2024 firefight.
Last time out, Nolan suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Trujillo, which led him to embark on a short-lived retirement. But with his return to competition imminent, the Brit believes his old rival is the perfect litmus test for his talents as he looks to shoot for the top of the mountain.
“I wanted this fight. It’s the fight I need in order to move forward. I have to get this one done. Everyone wants to fight for the title, but how can I say that if I can’t beat Trujillo?” Nolan stated.
“I respect him a lot for taking this fight because he could’ve just said no, as he’s beaten me once already. But I’m excited to get this one back.”
Ahead of the much-anticipated sequel, Nolan has been busy doing his homework and making use of the lessons he learned from their first encounter.
The 26-year-old suffered a broken hand and nose early on when they met at ONE Fight Night 19, leaving him on the back foot for the majority of the three-round affair.
Up to that point in his career, Nolan had never suffered setbacks of that magnitude in the ring. Though a tricky thing to face in the moment, he now sees it as a positive, and something he can use when he squares off with Trujillo again on 3rd May.
“I do think my overall game is better, but [Trujillo has] shown me that he’s dangerous firsthand, and I have to prove something now,” Nolan said.
“This time, if an injury happens, I know I have to keep pushing forward because I’m capable of it. That was the first time I’d ever broken something in a fight.”
