“I sat down with my coach” - Jonathan Haggerty on the decision to move up to bantamweight which proved to be the right choice
Reigning and undisputed ONE bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom was once the ruler of the flyweight division.
But after a few weight and hydration mishaps and lackluster performances, including some health issues because of it, Haggerty ultimately made the decision to seek refuge in a higher weight class.
At first, it was a delicate decision to be made. Of course, Haggerty would be exposed to facing much stronger, and larger opponents at bantamweight, which carried a huge risk.
In a recent YouTube video uploaded on his official channel called 'Retrospect with Jonathan Haggerty', the Londoner recalled what went into the decision of leaving flyweight for a whole new weight class.
'The General' said:
"I didn't notice something in my last fight at flyweight. I was actually scheduled to fight twice after this, but I ended up in hospital for the next two fights, so I wasn't able to fight at flyweight again. So the last time I ended up in hospital, I sat down with my coach, Chris, who was meant to get on an airplane two days before the fight, and I just said, listen, I'm not about to get on this plane. I'm not going to make weight, end up in the hospital."
Haggerty continued:
"So after this fight, there were a lot of doubts. Should I stay at bantamweight, is it bantamweight for me? So it was up to me to prove them wrong. Let's go."
Today, Haggerty holds two world titles at bantamweight and is flourishing in the division as its biggest star.
Jonathan Haggerty to stake bantamweight Muay Thai throne against Superlek at ONE 168: Denver
Jonathan Haggerty will make the next defense of his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against flyweight kickboxing king 'The Kicking Machine' Superlek Kiatmoo9.
The two lock horns at ONE 168: Denver, which broadcasts live from the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado on Friday, September 6.
Fans in the United States and Canada can catch all the action live and absolutely free with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.