Jonathan Haggerty says Muay Thai at the highest level in ONE Championship is more than just skill: “You need a chin as well”

Jonathan Haggerty is one of the best Muay Thai fighters in the world, pound-for-pound, so he knows exactly what it takes to reach the top. The 27-year-old Keddles Gym star understands that sublime skill and technique are very important in the fight game.

But he also knows another thing, perhaps even more important than knowing how to throw hands. Haggerty says elite fighters should also have the ability to take a good punch.

'The General' told the Winners Talking Podcast in a recent guest appearance:

"Yeah, you need a chin as well. There’s a lot of difference especially with the four-ounce gloves in Thai boxing. When I used to fight with boxing gloves, you could just stand there and block. And it's not really like that in four-ounce gloves. With the MMA gloves, there's no blocking. You got to move, you got to move your head, and just like what I say, it’s one shot, one kill with MMA gloves."

ONE Championship Muay Thai uses 4-ounce MMA gloves in their Muay Thai fights, which amplifies their fighters' power and leads to more spectacular knockouts.

Jonathan Haggerty to defend bantamweight kickboxing gold against Chinese star Wei Rui at ONE 171: Qatar

'The General' Jonathan Haggerty is all set to make his highly anticipated return to the Circle when he takes on Chinese kickboxing icon Wei Rui in a bantamweight kickboxing world title defense.

The two lock horns at ONE 171: Qatar, which broadcasts live from Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada can visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding the event as it happens.