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The world of combat sports is gearing up for one of the most anticipated Muay Thai showdowns in recent history as Jonathan "The General" Haggerty defends his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship against Thailand's very own "The Kicking Machine" Superlek Kiatmoo. This titanic clash, set to take place on September 6 at ONE 168: Denver, promises to be a thrilling spectacle of striking mastery, as two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighters collide in the altitude of Colorado's Ball Arena.
Hailing from England, Jonathan Haggerty has firmly established himself as one of the premier strikers in Muay Thai and kickboxing. The 27-year-old champion has faced numerous legends in the sport, including a pair of intense battles with Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Haggerty’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular, especially since moving up in weight to the bantamweight division. The Englishman’s journey to the top has been defined by his explosive power and relentless pursuit of excellence.
In his quest to become the best pound-for-pound striker on the planet, Haggerty has amassed a remarkable series of victories. Most notably, he shocked the world by knocking out Nong-O Hama in the first round to capture the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title. This victory was followed by another stunning knockout, this time against Fabricio Andrade, to claim the ONE Kickboxing World Championship. Haggerty then solidified his reign by defending his Muay Thai crown via TKO against Felipe Lobo.
As Haggerty prepares to defend his title once again, this time against Superlek Kiatmoo, he is fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge ahead. Superlek is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound Muay Thai fighters in the world, and this matchup is expected to be a true test of Haggerty's skills and determination.
Superlek Kiatmoo has carved out a legendary career in the world of Muay Thai, earning titles in prestigious arenas such as Lumpinee Stadium, WBC Muay Thai, and, of course, ONE Championship. Known for his powerful kicks and exceptional defensive abilities, Superlek has built a reputation as a formidable opponent who is nearly impossible to knock out.
Currently on a 12-fight win streak, Superlek’s resume is decorated with victories over some of the most dangerous fighters in the sport. His recent win over Japanese kickboxing icon Takeru Segawa in January only added to his growing legend. Superlek’s ability to dominate in both Muay Thai and kickboxing has solidified his status as one of the top strikers in the world.
Now, Superlek is set to move up in weight to challenge Haggerty for his Muay Thai crown. This will be a significant test for the Thai megastar, as he steps into the bantamweight division to face a champion who has proven to be unstoppable since making the move himself.
Few fighters know Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo as well as Rodtang "The Iron Man" Jitmuangnon. The current ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion has faced both men in the ring, giving him a unique insight into what each fighter brings to the table. Rodtang holds two victories over Haggerty, with the pair’s battles in 2019 and 2020 becoming instant classics. More recently, Rodtang faced Superlek in a Muay Thai bout at ONE Friday Fights 34 in September 2023, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss.
Rodtang’s analysis of the upcoming showdown at ONE 168: Denver offers a compelling look at what fans can expect. According to "The Iron Man," Haggerty’s strengths lie in his power and experience at bantamweight, while Superlek’s advantages are his devastating kicks and solid defensive game.
“Haggerty’s strength is he has been fighting in this division for a long time. He can punch very hard and violently,” Rodtang shared. “Superlek’s strengths are his powerful kicks and exceptional defensive abilities. I’ve never seen anyone that can knock Superlek out before.” Rodtang predicts an explosive fight, one that is likely to end in a knockout.
He believes that the first round will be a feeling-out process, but by the second round, the two fighters will begin to trade heavy strikes, with the fight potentially ending by the third or fourth round.
Fighting at elevation is a challenge that even the world’s best athletes must prepare for diligently. Denver, Colorado, located over 5,000 feet above sea level, presents a unique set of conditions that can greatly impact a fighter's performance. Jonathan Haggerty, recognizing the importance of acclimatization, has been training in Denver for weeks leading up to the fight.
Haggerty spoke about his preparation during a recent interview, emphasizing the difficulty of training in such conditions:
“We’ve left no stone unturned. I know everybody says this, but really, this is the hardest camp I’ve ever done. This is 13 weeks of solid, hard work, dieting, head down. We’re out here in Denver acclimatizing. I think it was a great idea to come out four weeks before the fight.”
The English champion’s focus on acclimatization and rigorous training reflects his determination to retain his title. Haggerty’s preparation in Denver is not just about physical conditioning but also mental toughness. Training at altitude is an advantage that could play a critical role in the fight, allowing him to maintain a high pace and deliver powerful strikes without succumbing to the effects of reduced oxygen levels.
Both Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo are known for their aggressive fighting styles, which makes this matchup particularly intriguing. Haggerty’s approach is characterized by his relentless forward pressure and knockout power, while Superlek’s game is built around his precision, timing, and devastating kicks.
Haggerty acknowledges the similarities in their fighting styles and believes this will lead to an explosive contest:
“I feel our styles are the same. We’re both aggressive. We both come for the knockout. I’d say we’re both up there as pound-for-pound bests. He’s the best in flyweight. I’m the best in bantamweight. So, why not put us together and see who is the best?”
This bout is not just about defending a title; it’s about proving who is the best striker in the world. The winner of this fight will not only walk away with the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship but will also solidify their place as the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.
Jonathan Haggerty is not content with simply defending his title; he has his sights set on even greater accomplishments. After ONE 168, "The General" has plans to continue his reign as a two-sport king and potentially add more belts to his collection.
Haggerty has hinted at a return to flyweight, where he previously held the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship. A potential rematch with Superlek at flyweight could be on the horizon, should Haggerty emerge victorious in Denver. However, his ambitions don’t stop there. Haggerty has expressed interest in venturing into MMA, where he hopes to capture a third World Title.
“I want to defend my kickboxing belt. I don’t want to hold up the division for too long. You know, I’ve got both belts, Muay Thai and kickboxing, so I would like to keep active, defend the kickboxing belt, defend the Muay Thai belt, and then the MMA belt is definitely my mind,” Haggerty shared.
This drive for greatness underscores Haggerty’s desire to be remembered as one of the most versatile and accomplished fighters in combat sports history. His willingness to challenge himself across multiple disciplines and weight classes speaks to his competitive spirit and unyielding pursuit of excellence.
is shaping up to be one of the most significant events in the history of Muay Thai. The main event between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9 is a dream matchup that fans have eagerly anticipated. With both fighters at the peak of their powers and holding World Titles in their respective divisions, this bout is more than just a title defense – it’s a battle for supremacy in the world of striking.
As the world watches on September 6, one thing is certain: the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Jonathan Haggerty continue his reign as the bantamweight king, or will Superlek Kiatmoo prove himself as the ultimate pound-for-pound fighter by adding another belt to his collection?
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