3 Huge Takeaways From ONE Fight Night 9: Nong-O Vs. Haggerty
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium has played host to some of the greatest moments in Muay Thai history, and the venue’s enduring legacy added yet another remarkable moment on April 21 at ONE Fight Night 9: Nong-O vs. Haggerty.
Jonathan Haggerty stepped into hostile territory and scored one of the sport’s greatest upsets over Nong-O Hama to become the new ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion.
However, “The General” was not the only athlete to captivate the worldwide audience with martial arts brilliance.
Following an exciting card that left fans speechless, here are three big takeaways from ONE Fight Night 9.
Jonathan Haggerty Silences Critics With Monumental Upset KO
For the last four years, top contenders in the bantamweight Muay Thai division have tried to dethrone Nong-O Hama. And after seven of those challengers fell short against the legendary Thai striker, Jonathan Haggerty stepped up and solved the puzzle.
The 26-year-old knew something nobody else did and shockingly completed his quest with three massive knockdowns – including a thunderous knockout – in only 2 minutes and 40 seconds.
The explosive victory elevated Haggerty into rarified air as a two-division ONE World Champion. Britain’s shining star has now done what many thought was impossible on two separate occasions. He dethroned Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in 2019, and now, he’s knocked off Nong-O.
“The General” was simply too fast and too powerful in Bangkok. There were many doubters heading into Friday’s event, and he served them a plate full of crow with his US$100,000 bonus-winning performance.
Haggerty’s legacy is being written in real-time. It is built on monumental upsets against true icons of Muay Thai, as he continues to elevate his status as one of the greatest non-Thais in the sport.
Meng Bo, Felipe Lobo State Their Cases For World Title Shots
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium was the platform for two contenders to show they are ready for World Title contention. Meng Bo and Felipe Lobo both produced outstanding performances that will have major implications for their respective divisions.
In women’s strawweight MMA action, Meng earned an impressive decision against Brazilian bruiser Dayane Cardoso – putting divisional queen Xiong Jing Nan on notice.
The 27-year-old striker was crisp with her boxing early, showcased solid takedown defense, and even secured top positions late in the fight. The well-rounded victory set the stage for a potential World Title showdown with fellow Chinese star Xiong.
Later in the evening, former ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title challenger Lobo looked to be nearing defeat at the hands of #1-ranked contender Saemapetch Fairtex.
However, a third-round surge saw him complete the surprising comeback with a brilliant knockout finish that stunned the crowd.
And with Haggerty assuming the mantle, the Brazilian’s epic win put him in prime position to get another crack at the divisional gold.
Jhanlo Sangiao Is Team Lakay’s Next Superstar
Following a mass exodus at Team Lakay, the future of the famed Filipino gym seemed unclear. But Jhanlo Mark Sangiao blew away the clouds with a first-round submission win over Matias Farinelli in the opening bout of ONE Fight Night 9.
The victory not only kept Sangiao’s professional record perfect with a 100 percent finishing rate, but it also brought him closer to bantamweight MMA contention.
That blueprint was set by reigning ONE Bantamweight World Champion Fabricio Andrade, who rose to the throne with exciting finish after exciting finish.
For his part, Sangiao now has three consecutive first-round submissions in ONE – showing a new side of Team Lakay, which has traditionally been known for striking. And although there is no rush for the 20-year-old prodigy, he might be following a similar path to the top.
Plus, Sangiao is proving that Team Lakay is still a vibrant and elite training ground for the next generation of global superstars while inching closer to the bantamweight rankings with another highlight-reel finish.
