feature-image
feature-image

Jonathan “The General” Haggerty is in the form of his life.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Understandably, he believes he could triumph in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.

ADVERTISEMENT

But before he dreams of lifting the tournament’s prestigious silver belt, the Englishman must first take out Brazilian fighter Walter Goncalves when they meet in the quarterfinals of the eight-man Grand Prix at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot on Friday, 20 May.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Haggerty, who is riding on a two-match win streak on the global stage, warns that he wouldn’t have any issues extending that run, regardless of whom ONE throws at him.

“I’m on a roll now, and I’m ready to take on anyone they put in front of me,” the 25-year-old confidently stated.

“And I’m here to win this tournament. I’m not here to make up the numbers.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Read More – “My Goal Is to Join MMA” – Rodtang Jitmuangnon Is Ready to Commit Fully to MMA After Muay Thai Grand Prix

Based on his recent displays, there is every reason to believe that the Orpington native should pass his latest test with flying colors.

ADVERTISEMENT

At ONE: BAD BLOOD in February, Haggerty churned out a classic striking clinic to take home a clear-cut unanimous decision win over Mongkolpetch Petchyindee. The striker’s arsenal was simply a few levels ahead of his rival that night.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Prior to that, “The General” used his reach and craftiness in the stand-up department to hand Japanese sensation Taiki Naito his first defeat inside the Circle.

Goncalves could prove to be a far tougher test, though.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jonathan Haggerty predicts a finish at ONE 157

For his part, the Brazilian loves to trade heavy leather in the pocket. Although he has not had any significant success at the Singapore-based organization, Goncalves has shown that he can hang with the best Muay Thai stylists in ONE Super Series.

Haggerty, however, feels that none of that will matter when the Circle-Door closes this Friday.

In fact, “The General” seems certain that he could end the bout within the scheduled nine minutes.

“I will knock Walter out. My prediction is probably [in] round two, you know. In the mid-round. So I’ll overwhelm him, really.”

A win for Haggerty will book him a spot in the semifinal versus the winner of the Taiki Naito-Superlek Kiatmoo9 bout, and inch him closer toward his dreams of lifting the World Grand Prix strap.

Read More – Rodtang Jitmuangnon Endorses Fellow Thai Champions Petchmorakot Petchyindee & Prajanchai PK.Saenchai to Dominate at ONE 157

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Deepak Kumar

1,085 Articles

Deepak Kumar is a UFC author at EssentiallySports. His love for MMA comes from the chaos and violence the fight business brings to the table. A BJJ aspirant, Deepak began following the sport as a casual fan when Ronda Rousey was finishing her opponents in seconds. Now, a hardcore fan of names like Petr Yan, Charles Oliveira, and Tony Ferguson, he just can't even miss a single fight. This has helped him develop a passionate understanding of the sport that he hopes to translate into his work. When not working, he likes to hang out with his squad.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Reubyn Coutinho

ADVERTISEMENT