Meet Zhou Jiaqiang: The Man Who Plans To Ruin Nico Carrillo’s ONE Kickboxing Debut
Zhou Jiaqiang makes his ONE Championship promotional debut against reigning ONE Featherweight Muay Thai World Champion Nico Carrillo at ONE Fight Night 46 on August 14 in Bangkok. The bout marks Carrillo’s first kickboxing match under ONE, while Zhou transitions from Sanda to kickboxing in pursuit of a global career.
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Zhou Jiaqiang, a 26-year-old Chinese striker, steps into his first ONE Championship bout against Nico Carrillo at ONE Fight Night 46 on August 14 in Bangkok. The event, broadcast live on Prime Video in the U.S., represents Carrillo’s inaugural kickboxing match under the ONE banner, while Zhou makes his promotional debut after a career built in Sanda and regional kickboxing circuits. The matchup pits a seasoned world champion against a fighter seeking to establish himself on the global stage.
Born in Zhumadian, Henan, Zhou described his early years as defined by struggle, including academic challenges that left him without clear direction. At a young age, he committed to martial arts as a means to build structure and resilience, forgoing university to train full-time. His journey included repeated setbacks and injuries, which he credits with shaping his mindset and work ethic as a professional fighter.
Zhou’s combat sports career began in Sanda before transitioning to kickboxing, a move driven by necessity rather than ambition. His professional debut came in 2019 at a domestic event in China, and he has since compiled a 20-6 record, including regional title wins at 67 kilograms. His nickname, Qilin, reflects cultural symbolism tied to strength and good fortune, a personal mantra he carries into his fights.
Zhou acknowledges Carrillo’s reputation as a forward-pressing finisher with heavy hands and dangerous knees, but he plans to counter with footwork and varied striking. Unlike Carrillo’s singular strength, Zhou emphasizes multi-level attacks and mobility as tools to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. His stated goal extends beyond this debut, with aspirations to win championship gold and build a legacy beyond his own career.