"He knows where he wants me to be" - Jonathan Haggerty thanks father for guiding him throughout his career

English striking superstar Jonathan Haggerty credits his father for every championship moment that's defined his combat sports journey.

The reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion opened up about his relationship with his father during an appearance on the Mulligan Brothers podcast.

'The General' revealed how his father's guidance shaped not just his fighting career but his entire approach to life and competition:

"He's very—he knows where he wants me to be, and he guided me on the right path... Yeah, he's a role model to me. He's a role model. Without him, I don't think anything could have happened."

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Haggerty captured multiple titles in the earlier half of his career, establishing himself as one of the sport's most technical strikers through precision, fight IQ, and the kind of calculated aggression that comes from proper guidance.

Under the ONE Championship banner, the Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground martial artist has continued to thrive against far better opponents. Success has followed, too.

The Englishman claimed the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in his sophomore outing in the Circle against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in May 2019. Then, in April 2023, he knocked out another legend, Nong-O Hama, to earn the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai crown.

Most recently, Jonathan Haggerty became the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion when he flattened Brazilian slugger Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 16 in November 2023.

He defended his strap once against Chinese kickboxing megastar 'Demon Blade' Wei Rui at ONE 171: Qatar this past February.

Check out Jonathan Haggerty's full interview on Mulligan Brothers' YouTube channel here:

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Jonathan Haggerty down for more super fights in ONE Championship

In a separate interview with Nick Atkin, Jonathan Haggerty revealed that he'd be down to lock horns against fellow superstars on the global stage regardless of the ruleset.

"You know, Nick, you know me, mate. I'm willing to step up. I don't know if I'm willing to step down to flyweight again, but who knows? Who knows? Super fights. Let's entertain the crowd for sure," the 28-year-old offered.

Haggerty was scheduled to lock horns with Nabil Anane for the latter's ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 173 this past November.

He was forced to withdraw from that fight, unfortunately, due to an injury he picked up during fight camp in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Who would you like to see Jonathan Haggerty square off against next when he opens his 2026 campaign inside the ONE Circle? Let us know below!

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Edited by Aziel Karthak