‘Excited To Get This One Back’ – Liam Nolan Eyes Revenge Against Nauzet Trujillo At ONE Fight Night 31
“Lethal” Liam Nolan is fired up to even the score with Nauzet Trujillo in their lightweight Muay Thai rematch on May 2 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 31: Kongthoranee vs. Nong-O II on Prime Video.
The British striker suffered a surprising defeat to Trujillo in February 2024 at ONE Fight Night 19, enduring a broken hand, a broken nose, and a swollen eye during the three-round war.
Despite those injuries, he displayed tremendous heart and fighting spirit by battling through the pain to hear the final bell.
After some time away from competition, Nolan is eager to prove himself against the all-action Spaniard at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
He told onefc.com that this rematch will mark a pivotal point in his career:
“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?”
The 26-year-old owns the physical tools and fighting pedigree required to become a ONE World Champion, but he knows he has plenty of work to do.
Looking back on his first encounter with Trujillo, the Englishman admitted that his desire to score a highlight-reel finish might have been his undoing:
“In the first round, I think I pushed a little too hard and was too eager to get the knockout. I was trying to land too many big shots one after the other. I should’ve shown some restraint and fought smart.”
Even though redemption is on his mind, Nolan holds no ill will against his adversary. Quite the opposite – he appreciates that the 35-year-old veteran accepted the rematch.
Nolan added:
“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.”
Nolan Returning To Action With Renewed Focus
For Liam Nolan, this rematch with Nauzet Trujillo holds special significance.
After announcing a short-lived retirement earlier this year, he’s returning with a new level of focus following a personal call from ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.
Nolan spent years training at the famed Knowlesy Academy in London, but for his return bout, he has rebuilt his team and is now working with longtime striking coach Danny Beevor and decorated Muay Thai World Champion Michael Wakeling.
“Lethal” feels improved but was quick to acknowledge the challenge ahead:
“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.”
With a redemption win on May 2, Nolan could find himself back in the hunt for lightweight Muay Thai gold, joining other contenders like Rungrawee Sitsongpeenong, George “G-Unit” Jarvis, and Sinsamut Klinmee. But first, he has to get past the Spanish veteran.
He is confident that the adversity he faced – and battled through – in their first fight will serve him well in the rematch.
With that experience behind him, “Lethal” knows he’ll be ready for whatever happens at ONE Fight Night 31:
“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.”
