‘I Love Tests’ –  Muay Thai Star Jonathan Haggerty Feels Ready To Challenge Himself In MMA

Jonathan Haggerty wants to move out of his comfort zone and see how he fares in the realm of mixed martial arts.

The former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion has toyed with the idea for a while – even calling out the likes of reigning ONE Flyweight World Champion Demetrious Johnson – but his move into the all-around sport could now be imminent.

“The General” is motivated by the idea of pushing himself to his limits, and he believes that going into a new sport is the perfect way to make that happen.

The British striker explained:

“I’d love to just be able to get in the Circle and fight under the MMA rule set so I can test myself. I love the tests. You can tell by the opponents that I’ve faced that I love tests. Getting my back on the canvas, throwing a few triangles, it might be exciting. I might fall in love with it. Who knows?” 

While Haggerty is known as a stand-up specialist, his father was a professional MMA fighter, so he’s been around the sport for many years.

But while he’s not entirely a newcomer, “The General” admits that it will require some hard work to stitch together the new elements.

At the same time, he thinks his skills and experience will lead to a successful transition. He’s confident in his ability to switch things up and blend his existing arsenal with the tricks of the trade required for mixed martial arts.

The 25-year-old said:

“I mean, I haven’t really put it all together yet. I haven’t really done any takedowns to be quite honest. But I’m very confident that I can adapt. I’m very good at adapting to any situation.

“Whether I can do a Thai boxing stance, like tap the front leg, or just bounce about and be an MMA fighter, I feel like I’m pretty adaptable. It shouldn’t be a problem.” 

Haggerty Eyes Bantamweight Muay Thai Gold In 2023

While Jonathan Haggerty is eager to test himself in new situations, he also wants to make his mark atop ONE’s bantamweight Muay Thai ranks this year coming year. 

“The General” left the flyweight Muay Thai division after some health issues, and he feels like the heavier weight class will allow him to become fitter and stronger.

That transition began with a successful victory over bantamweight striker Vladimir Kuzmin at ONE on Prime Video 4, and Haggerty fully expects to challenge for the divisional strap before long.

He said:

“One-hundred percent, I’m ready to go for that ONE Bantamweight World Title. I have no doubt in myself. I have the ability and I have every weapon to win that belt, and in 2023, I will get it.” 

For now, that belt is held by Thai striking icon Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, who is undefeated in ONE Championship and has long dominated the division.

That puts him at the top of Haggerty’s hit list, but the Londoner is also targeting some other high-profile names in the weight class.

“The General” added:

“I’d like to fight Nong-O, Liam Harrison, Muangthai, and Pongsiri in 2023.”