"It gives me butterflies" - Jonathan Haggerty says career-defining KO over Nong-O is his proudest achievement

Jonathan Haggerty's career-defining KO over Nong-O Hama was historically unprecedented.

Before reaching the highest pinnacle of his career, the UK striker wrestled with the idea of competing in Muay Thai as a new bantamweight. But moving up to a heavier weight class after competing his entire career as a flyweight came with uncertain risks. Does he belong here, or should he cut his losses early?

Fortunately, Haggerty's strongest line of defense is his strong mindset. Having that champion mentality from the start paid dividends when the time came.

Speaking on Retrospect, Haggerty said:

"That was the same for our whole fight camp: 'and the new,' we were telling ourselves, 'and the new.' But there we go. My first. I always wanted that belt, all the weight, it's been lifted off my shoulders. It gives me butterflies."

With the odds stacked against him again, Jonathan Haggerty is excited to prove that he'll be the greatest Muay Thai and kickboxing king for a long time. Despite having conquered the biggest mountain of his career, the best is yet to come in his upcoming world title war against Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available via Ticketmaster.

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Jonathan Haggerty doesn't want to rest on laurels alone, fights to preserve his status as a double-world champion

Jonathan Haggerty isn't going to stop evolving as a Muay Thai fighter just because he's a double world champion.

The biggest mistake you could make as a champion is to be a stagnant champion. With that said, Haggerty intends to put in the work every day, for as long as it takes, to preserve his status as a bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing world champion.

Speaking to Sportskeeda MMA:

"I'm always leveling up, improving. If I'm not, then what am I doing? I got the best coach in the world, and the best team in the world."