“Don’t take that fight” - Jonathan Haggerty reveals to Demetrious Johnson his dad told him to avoid Nong-O Hama

ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom recalled how his father had some major reservations about his fight with Nong-O Hama.

Back in 2023, Nong-O was pretty much untouchable as the kingpin in the 135-pound Muay Thai division, going on a 10-fight winning streak with multiple world title defenses.

But ‘The General’ did the improbable at ONE Fight Night 9 when he destroyed the Thai legend and captured the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

Appearing as a guest on Demetrious Johnson’s MightyCast, Haggerty revealed his old man didn’t want him to take that fight.

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“They offered me the fight. I called my dad, I was buzzing. They’re giving me the Nong-O fight. And [he was like], ‘Don’t take that fight. He’s a bigger version of Rodtang.' But then I said, ‘I’m going to take it. I believe I’ve got what it takes to beat Nong-O.’”

The 28-year-old also recalled his incredible finishing sequence over Nong-O, which catapulted him into superstardom:

“When they’re punching me back, they just go off me. When I landed that overhand right and he dropped, I was just like, ‘Wow.’ Screamed like, ‘What the hell?’ I remember hearing like last 10 seconds in the round and I was like pushed the ref away and like, ‘Let me at him.’ Because if this guy goes back and recovers, I’m in trouble."

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Jonathan Haggerty vows to reclaim Muay Thai crown

Jonathan Haggerty's reign as a two-sport world champion didn't last long, as he got dethroned by Superlek last year.

While 'The General' remains focused on keeping his remaining world title, he's also seeking to reclaim what he lost.

The ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion shared on the Mulligan Brothers podcast:

“Sleep. Tough days, just grit my teeth really. And just think, tomorrow will be better. Tomorrow will be better, and I'll have that ONE Championship belt in no time.”

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Edited by Aziel Karthak