Two-sport ONE world champion Jonathan Haggerty’s run of form since moving up to bantamweight has been nothing short of formidable, and he feels like nothing can slow him down ahead of ONE 168: Denver.
“The General” defends his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against flyweight kickboxing king Superlek Kiatmoo9 in the main event of a stacked card set for Denver, Colorado’s Ball Arena on Saturday, September 7.
Undoubtedly, Haggerty and Superlek are two of the most in-form strikers on the planet, with their respective winning streaks going back to 2021 and 2020. As such, the British striker believes now is the perfect time for them to collide.
“You know, the opportunity to fight one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. I do believe he’s one of the best up there. And just to get the opportunity to step in there with him – and just the fans, really,” Haggerty said.
“I feel our styles are the same. We’re both aggressive. We both come for the knockout. I’d say we’re both up there as pound-for-pound bests. He’s the best in flyweight. I’m the best in bantamweight. So, why not put us together and see who is the best?”
Superlek’s list of victories contains some of the biggest names in Muay Thai and kickboxing. The likes of Takeru Segawa, Nabil Anane, and ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon have all fallen to his hands and feet, making him one of the most feared athletes in the game.
That said, Haggerty has quickly amassed an impressive collection of scalps too. He toppled former longtime bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama at ONE Fight Night 9 in April 2023 and became a two-sport titleholder when he bested Fabricio Andrade for the vacant bantamweight kickboxing crown seven months later.
The Londoner caped his jaw-dropping 12-month run off by successfully defending his Muay Thai gold with a third-round knockout win over Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19 this past February.
Despite his dominance, “The General” is under no illusions of the talent that will stand across from him in ONE 168’s blockbuster main event in Denver, Colorado. But he’s also very aware of his own skills and talents and is confident he’s ready for anything Superlek can throw.
“I know what I have to do. I know what I’m capable of. I put 100 percent in my training. My coaches believe in me. So as long as I’m 100 percent, I believe I’m unstoppable,” Haggerty asserted.
“We know what his weaknesses are and his strengths. He likes his right side. His right side is his best attribute – his kicks, his elbows. So we’re here to exploit them on September 6.”
