Most ONE Championship viewers will be familiar with the name Jonathan Haggerty. The British Muay Thai fighter is also a former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai champion. Haggerty currently holds a record of 4-2 in the promotion, with his last win coming against the Russian, Vladimir Kuzmin. The Briton is known to Muay Thai fans for his superb striking capabilities inside the circle. But of late, Haggerty has gone on record to vocalize his increasing affinity towards MMA.
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After his run with ONE’s Muay Thai division, ‘The General’ said he would love to take the circle in an MMA bout matched up with a proper opponent. The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai champion showcased his love for challenges with this statement.
Jonathan Haggerty received affirmation from the ONE boss Chatri Sityodtong
In an interview with ONE, Haggerty went on to state how he was eyeing to take the circle in an MMA bout. ‘The Brit’ stated he would like to test himself.
Haggerty also went vocal about his known love for challenges in life. ‘The 25-year-old’ revealed, “I love the tests. You can tell by the opponents that I’ve faced that I love tests. Getting my back on the canvas, throwing a few triangles [chokes], it might be exciting. I might fall in love with it.”
‘The General’ also got the ONE boss, Chatri Sityodtong, involved in his plan. Haggerty received a reply from Sityodtong on one of his Instagram posts. The ONE boss also had similar plans, alike Haggerty. His reply read, “I smell a mixed rules super fight in the air in 2023! What do you say?”. Haggerty commented, revealing that he will be announcing his next fight “very soon” and expecting it to be “a big one”.
Haggerty also honestly admitted that he had very limited training in the grappling side of MMA. But he was confident that we will be able to gain a grip over the kills with proper training. He stated, “I mean, I haven’t really put it all together yet. I haven’t really done any takedowns to be quite honest. But I’m very confident that I can adapt. I’m very good at adapting to any situation.”
Haggerty also laid further stress on how his adaptability would be a huge plus point for him.
Jonathan Haggerty also revealed his immediate next target
Although this transition of fighting styles was definitely there in Haggerty’s mind, his immediate focus was set on something else. ‘The General’ went up to the Bantamweight Muay Thai division at ONE on Prime Video 4 and also secured a win over Vladimir Kuzmin. Haggerty revealed that for now, he would target the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai championship currently held by arguably one of the greatest Muay Thai fighters alive, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.
The Englishman said, “One hundred per cent, I’m ready to go for that ONE Bantamweight World Title. I have no doubt in myself. I have the ability and I have every weapon to win that belt, and in 2023, I will get it”.
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He also vocalized his wish to fight Liam Harrison, and Thai finishers Muangthai PK. Saenchai and Pongsiri PK. Saenchai in his conquest to the top of the division. ONE Championship fans will be eager to witness which of these comes first for Haggerty, a ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai title shot, or a shift to the style of MMA.
Written by
Edited by
Rohini Kottu