5 Reasons Why American Fans Will Love Watching Jonathan Haggerty At ONE 168: Denver
On September 6, reigning two-sport kingpin Jonathan “The General” Haggerty will make his highly anticipated debut on United States soil when he defends the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Thai megastar “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9.
That blockbuster contest will serve as the main event of ONE 168: Denver – and it will officially introduce the British sensation to American fight enthusiasts.
Before the action gets underway in U.S. primetime at Ball Arena in Denver, we dive into five reasons why U.S. fans are sure to embrace the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion.
#1 He’s Not Afraid To Talk Trash
While Haggerty is never one to underestimate any of his opponents, he doesn’t shy away from throwing some pre-fight barbs at them.
Brash and supremely confident, the 27-year-old knows how to build anticipation for a fight until tensions reach a fever pitch. And, if his intense staredown with Superlek earlier this year was any indication, fans can expect plenty of drama as ONE 168 approaches.
#2 He’s Riding An Incredible Knockout Streak
American fans love a highlight-reel knockout, and Haggerty doesn’t disappoint in that regard.
In fact, he’ll come into his World Title defense on the back of three straight finishes against three of the planet’s most dangerous strikers.
“The General’s” streak began with the biggest win of his career – a brutal one-round shellacking of former longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Hama to claim the gold.
Haggerty followed that up with a second-round starching of Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade to capture the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title, and then a spectacular come-from-behind knockout of Muay Thai World Title challenger Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo.
#3 He Takes On Any Opponent
Throughout his career, “The General” has been happy to face the toughest opponents available to him. In typical American fashion, he loves a big challenge.
In just his second fight in ONE, the Englishman stunned Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to claim the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title. He would subsequently lose that World Title to a man seemingly nobody wants to fight, Rodtang Jitmuangnon.
In addition to his unforgettable victories over ONE World Champions Nong-O and Andrade, Haggerty has battled only the most dangerous foes, including Lumpinee Stadium Muay Thai World Champion Mongkolpetch Petchyindee, dangerous Russian scrapper Vladimir Kuzmin, and Japanese kickboxing hero Taiki “Silent Sniper” Naito.
#4 He Delivers Big When It Matters The Most
Many athletes underperform when the lights are brightest, but that’s certainly not the case with the hard-hitting Brit.
Now riding a three-fight World Title-winning streak, Haggerty seems to put forth his most impressive performances when the stakes are high.
With that in mind, fans are likely in for a treat when he headlines ONE 168: Denver against Superlek, who is considered by many as the best pound-for-pound striker on the planet.
#5 His Fighting Style Is Electric
Perhaps more than anything else, American fans are sure to love Haggerty because he simply doesn’t know how to be in a boring fight.
A high-volume striker with show-stopping power in all areas of Muay Thai, “The General” epitomizes what makes the sport so exciting.
What’s more, he has an immense amount of heart, toughness, and a never-say-die attitude. Simply look no further than Haggerty’s back-to-back wars with Rodtang or his barnburner with Lobo for proof of his unbreakable spirit.
