ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty He’s all set for ONE 168: Denver in September, where he’ll face flyweight kickboxing world champion Superlek Kiatmoo9. The bout is scheduled to take place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. It will be a highly anticipated bout for Superlek, as he has the chance to move up a weight class and win a Muay Thai title.
Having dominated his new weight class so far, Haggerty says winning gold medals in two sports isn't enough: In a recent podcast, the 27-year-old revealed his intention to switch to mixed martial arts, a form of mixed martial arts.
Haggerty Discusses MMA Ambitions Ahead of ONE 168: Denver
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After dominating Muay Thai and kickboxing, Jonathan Haggerty now has his sights set on a third sport: mixed martial arts. In a recent episode of the Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, as he prepares to return to training camp, Haggerty spoke about his long-held ambition to make the switch to mixed martial arts.
When the host mentioned that he had previously said he wanted to get into MMA, Haggerty didn't hesitate to declare: “Yes, I do.I told you that before. ONE Championship will need to give me 12 weeks notice to fight Fabricio Andrade for the MMA belt. I will sign that contract immediately.”
The 27-year-old also added to his confidence by stressing that he believes MMA's unique skill set perfectly complements his own strengths. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying: “So we'll see what happens. For me it's an opportunity.” Hagerty further clarified his intentions by saying:I didn't come to this fight to be average. I'm putting everything on the line for this fight. I'm here to put everything on the line. I'm half way there and the MMA belt will complete it.”
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Despite his confident declaration, he was quick to silence any whispers of greed or arrogance, stating:This is not something to be labeled as selfish or arrogant. I am a man on a mission. I will do anything to become the ultimate fighter, and the MMA belt is just one piece of that puzzle.” He now has his sights set on his next match against Superlek Kiatmooo9, but already has a timeline in mind.
Haggerty needs 'three years' to complete transition to MMA
Not content with winning in Muay Thai and kickboxing, Jonathan Haggerty has his sights set on glory in mixed martial arts. The three-sport world champion has previously said he wants to hone his martial arts skills in preparation for a future MMA debut. When he was recently asked the burning question of how long it would take to become a mixed martial arts champion, he didn't mince words, outlining his ambitious plans:I think it was a good three years. “To be at the top of MMA. That's all I need to prepare for MMA.”
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Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai Champion Jonathan Haggerty defied the odds by defeating long-time ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-Oh Hama with a stunning knockout at ONE Fight Night 9 in April 2023. Seven months after that monumental win, he achieved another historic feat, defeating MMA champion Fabricio Andrade to win the vacant ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title.
He now faces a tough test with the Muay Thai belt on the line at Superlek Kiatmoo 9. Who do you think will win? Post your predictions in the comments below.
