7 Interesting Facts About Muay Thai Superstar Jonathan Haggerty
Jonathan Haggerty is one of the most consistently exciting athletes in ONE Championship, and he’ll bring his all-action style back to the Circle in the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.
On 20 May, “The General” will face tough Brazilian Walter Goncalves in a massive quarterfinal matchup at ONE 157: Petchmorakot vs. Vienot, with both men hoping to advance in the tournament and get closer to the coveted silver belt.
Before #1-ranked contender Haggerty takes center stage at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, check out some interesting facts about the 25-year-old Londoner.
#1 He Followed His Dad Into Martial Arts
Haggerty always seemed destined for a life in combat sports. His father was a kickboxer who later turned to professional MMA and then opened his own gym called Team Underground.
With his dad guiding him, “The General” initially tried karate and semi-contact kickboxing, but after getting disqualified from tournaments for being too aggressive, the young athlete found his niche with Muay Thai.
#2 He’s Beaten The Best
Despite having just 22 professional fights – a number dwarfed by some Thai athletes in ONE Super Series – Haggerty has defeated both legends and current stars.
Most famously, he stunned iconic striker Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to claim the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title in 2019, and he’s also bested the likes of Mongkolpetch Petchyindee, Taiki Naito, and Joseph Lasiri.
#3 The UK’s Only ONE World Champion
With his incredible victory over Sam-A three years ago, the Londoner became the only UK fighter who’s ever won a ONE World Title – a distinction he still holds today.
None of Haggerty’s compatriots have even competed for the gold in the organization, although Leeds’ Liam Harrison will get his chance against Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at some point in 2022.
#4 He’s A Finishing Machine
Haggerty has a 73 percent KO rate among his 18 victories, which is a staggering figure in the world of Muay Thai.
And even when he doesn’t stop his rivals, he hurts them, which he showed when he dropped Sam-A, Lasiri, and Naito en route to each victory.
#5 He’s Teaching The Next Generation
The 25-year-old still has a long way to go in his own competitive career, but he’s already supporting the next generation of martial artists.
Knowing that combat sports helped keep him out of trouble on the London streets, Haggerty runs classes at his father’s Team Underground gym and is passionate about passing on knowledge to the younger athletes.
#6 He Loves His Dogs
Outside of the Circle, Haggerty is devoted to his American XL Bullies.
The dogs are named Thai and Champ, and when “The General” isn’t in the gym, he’s relaxing at home with his furry friends.
#7 He’s Eyeing A Path In MMA
After growing up around mixed martial arts, Haggerty is hoping to compete under the rule set in the near future.
He’s been vocal about a potential matchup with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, and he clearly has some skills outside of his potent striking arsenal.
