Jonathan Haggerty says there is no "real animosity" with Rodtang despite intense rivalry: "He's just a very respectful person" 

Jonathan Haggerty may be open to a trilogy with Rodtang Jitmuangnon, but bad blood isn't the reason why the former wants another chance to square off against the Thai warrior.

'The General' looked back on his glorious campaign on the global stage of ONE Championship in a recent video published on his YouTube channel. From his first crowning moment against Sam-A to his two-sport triumph in 2024, everything was summarized to perfection in the 33-minute clip.

Of course, it also put the spotlight on his epic rivalry against 'The Iron Man', and as their pair of duels played out in the video, Jonathan Haggerty gave his take on the Jitmuangnon Gym as an opponent:

"He's not like any other opponents that I've had before where there's real animosity. He's not like that. He's not built like that, and he's just a very respectful person. So I'm respectful back. For respects, there are respects."

Watch the full interview here:

The pair first crossed paths when Rodtang challenged 'The General' for his ONE flyweight world championship gold at ONE: Dawn of Heroes in August 2019. The Bangkok-based fighter impressed all three judges scoring the contest.

Five months later, Rodtang would go on to defend his crown against Haggerty, who was on a redemption arc. Unfortunately for the Londoner, he couldn't find a way past the Thai's arsenal and was stopped in the third stanza.

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Jonathan Haggerty would "absolutely love" Rodtang trilogy

Close to four years since they last crossed paths, Jonathan Haggerty admits he still wants to get a chance to pull one back against his Thai nemesis.

During an interview with Sportskeeda MMA, he noted:

"Yes, yes. I'd absolutely love that. That's a trilogy waiting to happen."

Both men have gone their separate parts since. Rodtang has cemented his status as one of the best ONE world champions with multiple defenses of his 26 pounds of gold.

The Brit striker, meanwhile, moved up a weight class and enjoyed the time of his life last year, claiming not one but two world titles in the bantamweight Muay Thai and kickboxing divisions.

Both warriors will return on the promotion's hotly anticipated cards in the United States later this year. Jonathan Haggerty defends his Muay Thai gold against Superlek in Denver, while Rodtang puts his flyweight strap on the line versus Jacob Smith in Atlanta.

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver on September 6 can be purchased here. Meanwhile, those interested to attend ONE 169: Atlanta in-person on November 8 can follow this link.