“Generational talent” - Chatri Sityodtong says Jonathan Haggerty destined to be “one of the greatest” strikers ever despite loss to Superlek

ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong reminds everyone that Jonathan Haggerty is "a very special generational talent."

Heading into ONE 168, Haggerty was coming off a three-fight run that solidified him as a two-sport world champion.

Superlek quickly ended his momentum in the main event matchup by landing a picture-perfect elbow on 'The General', ending the Brit's run as ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion.

Superlek's shocking performance made some fans forget how dangerous a fighter Haggerty is. During an interview with Nick Atkin, the promotion's Chairman and CEO countered any criticism by saying this:

"Mind you, Jonathan, he beat Sam-A when he only had, I think, 12 or 14 fights, and Sam-A had 400 fights and Jonathan beat him. Sure you don't see that, somebody with a few fights being able to fight somebody with so much experience and winning, ok? Haggerty's a very special generational talent. I believe when all is said and done in his career, he'll go down as one of the greatest pound-for-pound strikers on the planet, in history."

Jonathan Haggerty's loss against Superlek was his first since suffering a third-round knockout defeat against Rodtang in January 2020.

Furthermore, the UK superstar had never lost at bantamweight before 'The Kicking Machine' took him out, making Haggerty's return quite intriguing.

Watch the entire interview with Nick Atkin below:

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What's next for Jonathan Haggerty in ONE?

Jonathan Haggerty could endure an extended layoff, at least by his standards, before returning to action.

In the meantime, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong confirmed that number two-ranked bantamweight Muay Thai contender Nico Carrillo is expected to challenge Superlek for his world title.

Once Haggerty returns, he has a few options depending on the promotion's vision for him.

Firstly, the UK superstar could challenge the winner of Carrillo vs. Superlek. There's also a possibility that Haggerty will have to earn a title shot by taking on another top contender in the division.

Instead, Haggerty might defend his bantamweight kickboxing world title. The primary options for his next defense are number one-ranked Wei Rui and Ilias Ennahachi, who are both coming off wins against Hiroki Akimoto. A title shot eliminator matchup between Rui and Ennahachi is also possible.