‘I Learn From My Mistakes’ – Jonathan Haggerty Credits Smart Game Plan For World Title Win Over Wei Rui
Last Thursday, February 20, Jonathan “The General” Haggerty turned in a clinical and entertaining performance against Chinese superstar “Demon Blade” Wei Rui to successfully defend his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title at ONE 171: Qatar.
The British fan favorite displayed excellent fight IQ, venomous combination striking, and a fast-paced, high-output attack over the course of five exciting rounds at Lusail Sports Arena, securing a unanimous decision victory in the first defense of his divisional crown.
While he’s typically an aggressive, forward-marching fighter who likes to dictate the flow from the opening bell, Haggerty found himself on the back foot for much of the first round as he took a number of big shots from Wei.
According to “The General,” that slow start was by design. In his last appearance, he suffered a shocking first-round knockout loss against pound-for-pound great Superlek Kiatmoo9 that cost him the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
After his win in Qatar, Haggerty told the assembled media that he didn’t want to make the same mistake against “Demon Blade”:
“I just didn’t wanna get knocked out in 49 seconds again. I learn from my mistakes. Me and my coach, my team, we went back to the drawing board. I just didn’t want to rush in. Take our time and get the game plan right.”
Despite Wei’s undeniable skills and significant accomplishments outside of ONE, Haggerty came into the contest as the favorite.
Regardless of what the oddsmakers might have said, though, the titleholder expected nothing but a hard fight against China’s top kickboxer.
Afterward, he credited his coach for devising the perfect strategy to deal with a crafty and dangerous lefty:
“The man behind it all, Christian Knowles, we’ve been studying Wei Rui. And I think the hard thing about it, everybody was thinking I was gonna go in there and destroy him, and he shouldn’t really be in there with me. But he was a great opponent, and we trained very hard, strategic-wise, to game plan for a southpaw.
“When we were training, it was quite difficult. When you’re training for an orthodox, it comes natural. We were training for a southpaw, and we had to put all the game plans together. I think that’s what we did in there.”
Indeed, “The General” showcased the full breadth of his kickboxing game against a supremely difficult opponent, leaning heavily on his punishing combinations and speedy footwork to control much of the fight.
And although he struggled in the first round, Haggerty said that losing early helped fuel his success as the bout wore on:
“The first round was a bit rocky. I need a bit of punches to the face to get myself going. But, yeah, I enjoyed it in there. Strategic-wise, we stuck to the game plan. I’m happy how it went, and I can’t wait to get back in there.”
Haggerty Open To Any Opponents Next
As the king of the bantamweight kickboxing division and the #2-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender, Jonathan Haggerty has no shortage of potential rivals hungry to take him out.
Never one to turn down a fight, he said he’s happy to battle whoever the organization sees fit:
“I’m just gonna celebrate now. Have a little bit of a chill time. I’ll still go back to training, but whatever ONE Championship or Chatri wants to give me, then obviously I’m here to take it.
“I’ve been in there with the likes of Superlek twice, Rodtang twice. I don’t shy away from any fight. So whatever gives the fans entertainment, I’m here to put it on.”
Even though Haggerty might be excited to make a quick return to action, he plans to first enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation in Qatar.
He added:
“It’s been very amazing from the start of fight week. Coming here, I felt very comfortable. You made me feel at home. I’ll definitely come back. I’ve even overstayed my welcome here, and I’m staying for an extra five days so I can enjoy just a little bit more here.”
