Jonathan Haggerty says Superlek rematch has him pumped to the nines: "It motivates me to get up and train"

Jonathan Haggerty isn't just fired up to defend his gold at ONE 168: Denver. He's also thankful he has a perfect dance partner to compete against in the Ball Arena on September 6.

The two-sport king squares off against Superlek Kiatmoo9 on the promotion's second on-ground spectacle in North America. There, 'The General' puts his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title on the line against the flyweight kickboxing king.

As the pair get battle-ready for their all-champion showdown in The Mile High City, one thing has been pretty apparent – mutual respect.

Despite sharing a heated-looking faceoff during the ONE Friday Fights 72 live broadcast, Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek had nice things to say to one another in the moments prior.

The Thai warrior described the British star as one of the best fighters, and the latter had this to say in response:

​

"Superlek is one of the greatest fighters of this time, you know. It motivates me more to get up and train."

---

Jonathan Haggerty out for revenge in Denver

The Londoner certainly would not need any more added motivation as he is pumped to level his rivalry against Superlek to one apiece.

During a ONE on SK podcast, the British star noted:

​

"I'm just happy to be able to fight him and get revenge back after the last fight. That's all that matters. Everybody knows that Superlek is one of the pound-for-pound greats."

Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek met inside the ring just months before both superstars put pen to paper to join the world's largest martial arts organization.

That evening, Superlek registered a TKO win after an end-of-round stoppage (second stanza) due to a bad cut above Haggerty's eye.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver can be purchased here. The organization's second on-ground event in North Am

​