“It's just hard to say anything” - Nong-O "surprised" that Jonathan Haggerty didn’t even last a minute against Superlek
Nong-O Hama has experienced firsthand just how tough Jonathan Haggerty is. After all, it was 'The General' who ended the Thai legend's longtime reign as the ruler of the talent-stacked bantamweight Muay Thai division last year.
Then again, just like the rest of the world, Nong-O's jaw dropped upon witnessing Haggerty surrendering his 145-pound Muay Thai crown to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6.
What was expected to be a five-round war of attrition ended less than a minute into round one. 'The Kicking Machine' landed a ferocious counter elbow that took away both the Brit's equilibrium and 26 pounds of gold.
Speaking in an interview with the South China Morning Post, Nong-O admitted he couldn't give a full breakdown of the fight given how swiftly it concluded:
"For Haggerty, I would say that I'm surprised. It was just 49 seconds. It was very short, and it's hard to evaluate that fight, because if it was like two rounds, three rounds, maybe I could evaluate more. But this is like the first round, 49 seconds. It's just hard to say anything. I would say I'm surprised."
To be fair, Superlek's counterstriking is indeed out of this world. Haggerty was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and paid dearly for his costly mistake.
The full replay of ONE 168: Denver is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in North America.
Watch Nong-O's full SCMP MMA interview:
Nong-O Hama wants to make another run for the throne he once occupied
There's a ton of activity in the 145-pound Muay Thai ranks, and Nong-O Hama simply wants to stay in the running.
The 37-year-old Thai icon recently got back in the winner's circle when he outpointed Kulabdam Sor Jor Piek at ONE Friday Fights 58 this past April.
Nong-O will look to keep the ball rolling this coming September 27, when he faces the streaking Kiamrian Nabati at ONE Friday Fights 81 inside Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The full event will air live in Asian primetime via PPV at watch.onefc.com.