Jonathan Haggerty on come-from-behind world title win vs Felipe Lobo: “It was a war”

British striker Jonathan Haggerty had an eventful 2024, including him essaying an impressive come-from-behind TKO win over Brazilian Felipe Lobo in successfully defending the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

It took place last February at ONE Fight Night 19 at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, where they headlined. While he was installed as the favorite in the contest, he encountered early trouble and nearly suffered an upset after he stunned with a knockdown in the closing seconds of the first round.

'The General,' however, was able to gather himself as the fight wore on, roaring back to score a devastating knockout in the third round to complete the come-from-behind victory.

Jonathan Haggerty spoke about the victory in an interview with ONE Championship, underscoring that they did not foresee the match going in such a direction but nonetheless he is proud of the win.

He said:

"It was tough fight. It wasn't what we planned for, but it was a war. The fans loved it, and that's what matters. It's a win-win."

While he successfully defended the bantamweight Muay Thai gold against Lobo, Jonathan Haggerty would lose it seven months later as he was knocked out by Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 in their all-champion title clash at ONE 168: Denver.

The defeat effectively ended his reign as a double world champion, leaving him with just the bantamweight kickboxing championship belt, which he is set to defend on Feb. 20 in ONE 171: Qatar against top contender Wei Tui of China.

The match will serve as the headliner of the event happening at the Lusail Sports Arena in Lusail and will be aired live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

---

Jonathan Haggerty touts 'heart' as key in succeeding in Muay Thai

The courage and determination that Jonathan Haggerty showed against Felipe Lobo was proof of his long-standing belief that to succeed in Muay Thai, one should have the heart to forge ahead even in difficult situations.

It was something he pointed out in an interview on the Winners Talking Podcast last month, saying:

"So [to be a world champion] it takes a lot. It takes heart. That's one of the main things as well. You need heart to get in there cause, you know, you could be the best fighter in the world, but if you get it stuck on you, you crumble. It's not good. So you need heart, determination, grit, dedication, as well. All of that."

Check out what he had to say below:

Showcasing heart has led Haggerty to become a two-division ONE Muay Thai world champion and now a bantamweight kickboxing titleholder.