"I was a lot happier in camp" - Jonathan Haggerty recalls how bantamweight move did wonders for his career

Two-sport bantamweight kingpin Jonathan Haggerty was already phenomenal at flyweight where he first became a ONE world champion.

'The General', though, knew greatness was at hand if he rolled the dice and took on bigger challenges in an entirely new weight class.

After back-to-back setbacks against Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Haggerty rebounded with two straight wins at 135 pounds against Taiki Naito and Mongkolpetch Petchyindee.

But instead of making another run at his old belt, the British slugger valiantly moved up to 145 pounds. Needless to say, it was the best decision he ever made.

Jonathan Haggerty narrated on 'Retrospect' via his personal YouTube channel:

"As soon as I went to bantamweight, I got a new strength and conditioning coach. I started working more on power and explosiveness. I was eating a lot more. I was a lot happier in camp."

What made Haggerty's gamble work was his scientific approach when it came to adding the extra weight the right way.

By doing so, the 27-year-old star was able to retain his elite speed and conditioning, all the while gaining more destructive power at a higher weight class.

Jonathan Haggerty definitely made the right call, as he now lords over the promotion's bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing ranks following spectacular knockouts over Nong-O Hama, Fabricio Andrade, and Felipe Lobo.

Watch the full video:

---

Freddie Haggerty confident brother Jonathan Haggerty will stop Superlek

ONE rising star Freddie Haggerty has a front-row seat to witness his older brother's evolution behind closed doors.

The 19-year-old knows firsthand how deadly Jonathan Haggerty is in training, especially for his upcoming title defense against the spectacular Superlek Kiatmoo9.

As far as the younger Haggerty is concerned, 'The General' will retain his gold in the most emphatic way imaginable. He told ONE:

“I don’t think Jon will be too worried, though. He’s working on a great game plan to stop these kicks and elbows and have counters for everything. I think he’s going to absolutely smash it.”

Tickets for the Haggerty vs Superlek megafight at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 at Ball Arena are available through Ticketmaster.