Jonathan Haggerty says he was unsure of his style in first Superlek fight: “I was still finding myself”
When he steps inside the Circle on Friday, Sept. 6, two-sport king Jonathan Haggerty will be much more sure of himself than he was the first time he went toe-to-toe with Superlek Kiatmoo9.
In 2018, 'The General' suffered a second-round doctor's stoppage TKO against 'The Kicking Machine' in the United Kingdom. Six years later, he'll look to even the score when the two titans of Muay Thai collide in the ONE 168: Denver headliner.
Looking back on their first meeting, Haggerty recognizes that he simply wasn't ready. But now, 'The General' has perfected his craft and knows exactly what kind of fighter he is.
"I shouldn't have been in the ring with him," Haggerty said in a video on his YouTube channel. "The style wasn't what it is now. I was still finding myself, and what style what I want to use."
Haggerty goes into the long-awaited rematch riding a six-fight win streak, including a trio of highlight-reel KOs in his last three outings.
Jonathan Haggerty hopes to reach top of P4P list with win over Superlek
After making a name for himself in the flyweight division, Haggerty has truly blossomed at bantamweight. 2023 saw him score back-to-back knockouts against Nong-O Hama and reigning ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade to claim both the Muay Thai and kickboxing crowns.
Since then, 'The General' has successfully defended the former via a spectacular come-from-behind finish against 'Demolition Man' Felipe Lobo in February.
With a win over Superlek, Haggerty will not only keep his gold intact, he'll avenge was of the biggest losses of his career and likely skyrocket himself to the top of the P4P list.
Of course, getting a win over 'The Kicking Machine' is no easy task. Superlek is sitting on a 10-fight unbeaten run with his biggest victory coming against 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon—the man who beat Haggerty in back-to-back bouts five years ago.
Who leaves The Centennial State with 26 pounds of ONE gold and ultimate bragging rights?
Follow this link for tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.