"We've got a funny relationship" - Jonathan Haggerty says he and rival Rodtang share mutual respect 

Contrary to public perception, fellow ONE world champions and former adversaries Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang Jitmuangnon have no bad blood with each other.

While the reigning bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion fell short twice against 'The Iron Man', he has nothing but love and admiration for his rival.

As far as Haggerty is concerned, that respect is mutual, since Rodtang gives him the same adulation every time they meet.

In a clip uploaded by 'The General' on his YouTube channel entitled Retrospect with Jonathan Haggerty, the Brit acknowledged Rodtang's impact in taking 'The Art of Eight Limbs' to new heights:

"There's so much respect there for Rodtang, he's such a legend of the sport. He's growing the sport great."

Moreover, Haggerty revealed that despite their friendly rivalry, there's no deep-seated animosity whatsoever.

'The General' insists he and Rodtang keep it cordial every time they meet. He added:

"So we've got a funny relationship, me and Rodtang. There's no hate there at all. We see each other. We always give each other a cuddle and good luck before our fights."

Watch the full clip here:

A lot of fighters have called out Jonathan Haggerty ever since he rose to two-sport supremacy, a list that includes Rodtang.

A third meeting between these two world-class strikers certainly doesn't seem too far-fetched somewhere down the line.

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Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang will take their talents to America next

The next time we see Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang back in action, it will be on American soil.

'The General' will be up first when he defends his bantamweight Muay Thai crown against Rodtang's Thai compatriot Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 169: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena.

Two months later, Rodtang will also put his flyweight Muay Thai belt on the line versus Haggerty's fellow Brit Jacob Smith at ONE 169: Atlanta at State Farm Arena on November 8.

Tickets to these blockbuster events are available at Ticketmaster.

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