ONE 161 sees the return from injury of former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and current #2-ranked Jonathan Haggerty, who had to withdraw from the Grand Prix tournament due to illness, Haggerty battles Amir Naseri in a World Grand Prix alternate bout.
Jonathan Haggerty’s Comeback
Former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and current #2 contender Jonathan “The General” Haggerty will look to make a statement against Naseri in a clash that could move the English striker toward a rematch with Rodtang.
Haggerty has been a force in the weight class for years, with his only losses in ONE coming against Rodtang in a pair of famous World Title contests. Aside from that, Haggerty has beaten four top-ranked opponents with his offensive push kicks and downward elbows as his trademark.
Jonathan Haggerty Eyes MMA In The Near Future
The 25-year-old from London is a four-time Muay Thai world champion and the only British fighter to ever hold a title in the Asian-based fight promotion ONE Championship.
Haggerty is on a three-fight win streak after dropping to back-to-back defeats against Muay Thai phenom Rodtang Jitmuangnon. A win at ONE 161 will open the door to some very interesting options for Haggerty.
Since his loss to Rodtang, Rodtang has gone on to face former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in a hybrid rules fight.
The bout rules are scheduled set for four rounds, with the first and third rounds fought under Muay Thai rules. At the same time, the second and fourth rounds were fought under MMA rules.
During the bout, Johnson managed to compete on the feet in the opening round before picking up a submission win in the second.
Now Haggerty has spoken of his desire to be next in line at the MMA P4P GOAT.
“I was pretty impressed that he decided to stand,” said Haggerty. “He didn’t back off, really, but it would be a different story with me and ‘Mighty Mouse’.
“I’m taller, my footwork is a lot better than Rodtang, and I’m more evasive. Also, growing up from a young age in an MMA gym, I know the basics.
“If it goes to the second round, I would be a lot better than Rodtang.”
“I need to get my belt back and go from there,” said Haggerty. “I’d say two years. MMA is the main goal.
So there you have it a win over Naseri at ONE 161 would likely get Haggerty his rematch against Rodtang. And if successful DJ is next on his radar.
Would you like to see Jonathan Haggerty Go toe to toe with Demetrious Johnson in a hybrid rules bout?.
Featured Image credits to One Championship
