After a lengthy hiatus, Liam Nolan returned in style in January with a commanding decision win over Ali Aliev. A month later, he returns to Lumpinee Boxing Stadium at ONE Fight Night 19 on Friday, February 16.
The British talent will square off against Nauzet Trujillo in a lightweight Muay Thai scrap. After knocking off the ring rust, Nolan is confident he will deliver an even better showing in Bangkok.
"It felt so good [to be back]. When I came into the third round, I finally felt like I could just throw and be myself," Nolan told ONE.
"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.'"
With the quick turnaround, Nolan views this as a continuation of his last outing. The man standing across the ring from him will be irrelevant as Nolan focuses on himself ahead of the Muay Thai barnburner.
"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," the Brit recalled.
Nolan is in shape, prepared, and seeking to show the world he is ready to contend for the gold in 2024.
The 26-year-old understands that another strong performance will build the equity he needs to reach the top of the mountain.
"Like I said, this is all work, you know? Why not go and work? I've built up, I've got the rounds in, I want to be building up to that World Title, and this is it. This is another important bit of building to get to where I want to go, and that's to the top of the division," Nolan expressed.
When assessing the dangers Trujillo brings into the ring with him, Nolan is less concerned with his technique. The Brit believes he holds a decided edge in that area but is more aware of his Spanish opponent's aggressive nature and heavy hands.
"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," the lightweight striker said.
Confidence is radiating off of the 26-year-old striker, and that has him ready to put on a show.
After returning and getting back into rhythm, Nolan plans to add a highlight-reel KO to the festivities at ONE Fight Night 19.
"I think I'm gonna 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," Nolan predicted.
ONE Fight Night 19 airs live on Friday, February 16, on Prime Video. The action gets underway at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST and is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers based in the U.S. and Canada.