There has been no off-season for burgeoning British striking star Freddie Haggerty in ONE Championship, and he believes he’s one win away from a US$100,000 contract to compete on the organization’s main roster.
The chance to grab it will come when he takes on Johan Estupinan in a flyweight Muay Thai showdown inside Bangkok, Thailand’s sold-out Impact Arena, this Friday, 24th January, at ONE 170.
Haggerty was last seen in action just last month at ONE Friday Fights 91, where he scored his third consecutive finish against Koaklai Chor Hapayak to cap off a tremendous 2024 campaign.
The turnaround may be quick for the 20-year-old, but he is motivated by the thought of earning a spot on ONE’s global roster if he secures another highlight-reel finish.
“I believe if I go in there and make a huge statement and wipe Estupinan out, I believe I should get a contract. Purely because I’ve taken the fight around six weeks after my last fight, one weight above, on a huge show,” Haggerty opined.
“I think it’s a bigger risk for me, too, because it’s his debut. Whereas if I lose, do I have to go back to ONE Friday Fights and work my way back up? I don’t want to do that. I want to be on the big shows. The risk should pay off this time, and I should get the contract.”
ONE 170 will be a huge opportunity for Haggerty to announce himself to the world, but he’d want to be careful when coming up against Estupinan, who is something of an anomaly.
While many fighters are afforded the luxury of studying their opponent’s style, there isn’t much on offer from the Colombian debutant.
From what Haggerty has gathered, Jordan seems to possess the same relentless style as his undefeated twin brother Johan, who is also set to appear at ONE 170.
But he remains unfazed overall, as he knows what needs to be done.
“We’re always very well-prepared. There isn’t much to see of [Estupinan] online, which isn’t great. But Jordan and Johan are twin brothers with the same trainer, so I don’t see them fighting much differently. But I’m a fighter. I’ll adapt no matter what. I’ll be ready,” Haggerty said.
“I think I’ll stop him. I think I’ll wear him down in the first and find the opportunity in the second round to stop him.”