Reigning two-sport ONE bantamweight World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, known for his unwavering confidence in the ring, might be facing his toughest challenge yet. At ONE 168: Denver this September, Haggerty will go toe-to-toe with the legendary “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a highly anticipated match for his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.

Moreover, this will not be the first time that two-sport World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, clashes with the current ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion, Superlek Kiatmoo9. In a recent interview, Haggerty acknowledged the threat Superlek poses, admitting that Superlek’s past victory over Rodtang Jitmuangnon, who previously defeated Haggerty, raises concerns.

Why does Jonathan Haggerty see Superlek as a threat?

Back in 2019 and 2020, reigning ONE Flyweight Mauy Thai King Rodtang Jitmuangnon defeated Jonathan Haggerty twice – first to claim his prestigious belt and the next to successfully defend it.  Both events remain a dark part of Haggerty’s resume and how casts a show over his upcoming fight with Superlek Kiatmoo9. In last month’s interview with Sky Sports MMA Club, Haggerty was asked by host Nik Hobbs about the changes he sees in Superlek.

Haggerty acknowledged the fighter’s familiar style. ” He has the same style,” he said. ‘Obviously, he is on a bigger stage now. He is used to the big audience, the big stage, and he has been bearing everyone. So, he is on a massive streak, even beat the guy that beat men, Rodtang.” Haggerty continued, ” he’s going to be well up for the battle, but so am I. So, I am excited.“

But Haggerty isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. He’s been researching ways to take down Superlek Kiatmoo09, and he thinks he’s found a key advantage. In the same podcast, Haggerty revealed that with ONE Championship heading to America for this fight, Superlek won’t have the usual roar of the home crowd behind him.

Jonathan Haggerty expects a different fight against Superlek at ONE 168: Denver

Riding high off his last win at ONE Fight Night 19, two-division king Jonathan Haggerty looks to make another successful title defense. He’ll face “The Kicking Machine” at ONE 168: Denver, putting his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title on the line once again.

However, Haggerty isn’t taking Superlek Kiatmoo9 lightly. After all, Superlek wins against him and the person who beat him in the past, Rodtang Jitmuangnon. This creates a tense situation for Haggerty, both technically and psychologically. But Haggerty’s choosing to focus on the positive side. With the event returning to America, this time will be different, and he explained why in an interview with Sky Sports MMA Club, “I just hope he’s prepared for it because he’s not going to have his fans, the crowd there behind him, no band playing.”

Haggerty’s comments hint at a strategy to break Superlek Kiatmoo9 mentally. However, underestimating Superlek’s nine-fight win streak would be a big mistake. This a tough call. Who do you have winning, Superlek or Jonathan Haggerty? Let us know in the comments