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Jonathan Haggerty has participated in some absolute barnburners across his six-year stint in ONE Championship, but there's one fight that tested him like no other: His sophomore outing against Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.
After dishing out a stellar performance in his debut to overcome Italian-Moroccan dynamo Joseph Lasiri in January, 'The General' was rewarded with a chance to vie for the Thai icon's ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title at ONE: For Honor in May 2019.
The Englishman stayed true to his words and went at the Evolve MMA martial artist at full pace, showing no concern for his foe's inch-perfect striking and experience.
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While it helped him score some massive points on his way to a unanimous decision win, Sam-A made sure Jonathan Haggerty had to endure hell before he reached the pinnacle of the sport.
Looking back on that entertaining five-round scrap, 'The General' admitted it still sends a chill up his spine. He went on to add that it was, by far, his toughest assignment under the ONE banner. He had this to say on the Winners Talking Podcast:
"That Sam-A fight was the hardest fight I've had. Go back and watch it. That was the second fight. He didn't hit hard, but he was just sharp and fast. But yeah, he cut me and broke my nose."
Watch the full interview here:
Jonathan Haggerty is locked in for another banger at ONE 171: Qatar
Though his stint as the flyweight Muay Thai kingpin came to an end shortly after, Jonathan Haggerty's thirst for greatness knows no boundaries.
The Londoner moved up to the bantamweight division after struggling to cope with the flyweight limit and attained the kickboxing and Muay Thai world titles in two blockbuster fights last year.
Though his stint as a two-sport world champion ended after losing his Muay Thai throne to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver, the Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground affiliate has another perfect scrap in the offing to get him back on track.
At ONE 171: Qatar on Feb. 20 inside the Lusail Sports Arena, he defends his kickboxing crown against Chinese superstar 'Demon Blade' Wei Rui.
