Former flyweight Muay Thai champion Jonathan Haggerty will be back in action at ONE: ‘Bad Blood’ this Friday. He faces Mongkolpetch Petchyindee, a very tough opponent for a fighter coming off an extended spell on the sidelines.
Covid-19 restrictions have made it very difficult for anyone living in the UK to travel and fight. Haggerty says it not been an easy time,
“It has been difficult, but I am dedicated and I love the sport, I have kept focused on improving and being ready to go, whenever I got the chance.”
Perfect record
Haggerty’s opponent has a perfect record of four fights wins from his four ONE Championship fights. But Haggerty and his team have seen weaknesses in his game they are hoping to exploit on Friday night,
“I think he is a slow starter, his weaknesses are when he is on the outside, his strengths are his clinch and low kicks. However I am 100% prepared!”
Haggerty doesn’t have the same experience of fighting in the Thai stadiums and that probably helps him to be a fast starter. In ONE Championship there is no time for a feeling out process with all five rounds scored in the same manner.
Specific gameplan
He and his team have a specific gameplan going into the fight. Haggerty already holds a win over Sam-A Gaiyanghadao and sounds very confident of dethroning another top tier Thai fighter this Friday,
“I am 100% confident of winning. We have game plan, but we are fully prepared for any approach he might bring and are fully prepared to adapt.”
Haggerty was lined up to fight Elias Mahmoudi last year but travel restrictions ruled him out. It is a match he would be open to in the future but for now the Englishman feels there are bigger fights out there for him,
“I think Mahmoudi is a very awkward and worthy opponent, but I feel he needs to beat somebody in the rankings to get the opportunity first.”
Future fight
Another potential matchup in the future for Haggerty is a shot at Ilias Ennahachi’s ONE flyweight kickboxing belt. Haggerty has clearly been paying attention and feels the champion was fortunate to get the decision nod over Superlek Kiatmoo9 last time out,
“Hell yes I would love the opportunity fight for the kickboxing belt. I saw his defense against Superlek, I also believe Superlek done enough to get the decision.”
The fight that everyone is talking about just now is the mixed rules bout between Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Demetrious Johnson. Haggerty expects the UFC veteran to prevail but would be very open to fighting in a similar sort of contest in the future,
“I believe DJ wins in the second round, and I would love to fight the winner!”
