“That pushes me on more” - Jonathan Haggerty feels inspired by the kids and future world champs that look up to him

Becoming the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion means more than just career advancement for Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom.

The 28-year-old Brit takes immense pride in being able to influence the youth and be in a position to inspire them to reach for their own dreams.

Appearing on an episode of the Mulligan Brothers’ podcast on YouTube, Haggerty shared the best part of being a world champion:

“You know, people look up to me. Young kids now I train a group of young kids. I got a few world champions, 14-year-olds. They look up to me. I'm their role model. So that pushes me on more. You know, for them to see what I can do so they can achieve that as well.”

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Jonathan Haggerty joined rarified air as a two-sport ONE world champion in the home of martial arts.

While he lost the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai belt to Superlek last year, he bounced back by successfully defending his kickboxing crown against ‘Demon Blade’ Wei Rui at ONE 171 in February.

‘The General’ vows to fend off all challengers in the stacked 145-pound kickboxing ranks, while also pursuing the throne he lost.

Check out Jonathan Haggerty’s interview in its entirety:

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Jonathan Haggerty says fighting is his life

Jonathan Haggerty's status as a ONE world champion has opened a lot of opportunities for his career outside the ring.

But at the end of the day, the proud Englishman says he will always be a martial artist at heart, since it's ingrained in his identity.

'The General' said in the same interview:

“This is basically my life, mate. This is basically my life. After this, obviously, it comes with building a business, obviously building my own gyms, my own brands. But right now, the main focus is on the ONE Championship belt. Can't do one or the other.”

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Edited by Aziel Karthak