“He’s a proper warrior” - Jonathan Haggerty impressed Rodtang didn’t tap in mixed rules bout with Demetrious Johnson

Jonathan Haggerty gave rival Rodtang Jitmuangnon his flowers after going out on his shield against MMA GOAT candidate Demetrious Johnson.

ONE Championship hosted a historic never-before-seen mixed rules bout featuring these world-class athletes at ONE X back in 2022, which alternated Muay Thai and MMA rules in between rounds.

As expected, 'The Iron Man' gave 'DJ' hell in the all-striking portion and tagged him multiple times on the feet. Johnson, however, asserted his grappling dominance and took advantage once takedowns were allowed in the second frame.

It didn't take long for 'Mighty Mouse' to cinch in a tight rear-naked choke. The defiant Rodtang would rather lose consciousness than tap, as Johnson secured the victory after choking out the proud Thai warrior.

In a guest appearance on the Winners Talking Podcast, Jonathan Haggerty praised the former flyweight Muay Thai world champion for his valiant effort against a legendary opponent in unfamiliar territory:

"Yeah, he was out cold, wasn’t he? He’s a proper warrior."

The bantamweight kickboxing world champion, however, thinks it would have been a different story if 'DJ' caught him in a joint lock instead. 'The General' added:

"Maybe he might have tapped though [if it was an armbar] because he needs his hands."

Rewatch the craziness of the Demetrious Johnson-Rodtang mixed rules battle:

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Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang have massive matchups lined up

While Demetrious Johnson happily retired from the game earlier this year, Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang are looking to be busy in 2025 with banger fights on the horizon.

'The General' will defend his bantamweight kickboxing crown for the first time against China's Wei Rui in the curtain closer of the promotion's return to the Middle East at ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20 at Lusail Sports Arena.

Rodtang, on the other hand, will figure in his long-awaited clash with 'The Natural Born Crusher' Takeru Segawa at ONE 172. 'The Iron Man' will enter enemy territory at Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo, Japan on March 23.

Follow these links for exclusive first-access tickets for ONE 171: Qatar and ONE 172: Rodtang vs. Takeru.