“A tricky opponent for my first bantamweight fight” - Jonathan Haggerty shares what he expects from Vladimir Kuzmin

When Jonathan Haggerty returns to the circle at ONE on Prime Video 4, he’ll do so like never before, competing in the bantamweight division for the very first time in his Muay Thai showdown with Russian striker Vladimir Kuzmin.

Discussing his long-awaited return to action, ‘The General’ shared thoughts on what he expects from Kuzmin when the two step inside the cage on November 18:

“You know, it is a tricky opponent for my first bantamweight fight, but like I said, I’m always ready. I will be ready. But I’m expecting him to come out and put the pressure on me with his hands. He can try outmuscling me, but I feel like the counterstrikes and my Muay Thai experience will kick in.”

With 17 career victories, Vladimir Kuzmin has proven to be a formidable opponent in the world of Muay Thai and kickboxing, but he has never faced anyone on the level of Jonathan Haggerty.

‘The General’ entered ONE Championship with a bang, scoring massive wins over current strawweight Muay Thai world champion Joseph Lasiri and Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.

Haggerty would go on to lose his next two bouts, but both of them came against Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a pair of instant classics. He has since bounced back with wins over Taiki Naito and Mongkolpetch Petchyindee.

A win over Kuzmin at ONE on Prime Video 4 will make it three in a row for the first time in Haggerty’s ONE Championship career.

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Jonathan Haggerty is already reaping the benefits of moving to bantamweight

While Jonathan Haggerty is yet to step into the circle as a bantamweight, ‘The General’ is already reaping the rewards of moving up a weight class. Discussing the struggles and extremes he goes to in order to make the flyweight limit, Haggerty is living it up with the extra 10-pounds he is afforded as a bantamweight:

“The main thing is, really man, I’m a lot happier, socializing a lot more, and yeah, a lot more weight. To get to flyweight, I was eating a lot of fish and mainly just fish. But now, I’m on the steak, I’m on the chicken. I can’t lie, I’m loving it!”

Haggerty continued, saying:

“So we’ll just see how it gets on. I have faith in myself. My team has faith in me. I’m sure we’re gonna go out there and crush it and make a statement. And who knows what’s on the horizon?"

Oftentimes, moving up a weight class can result in giving up size and strength to those that routinely complete in that specific division. However, Jonathan Haggerty is more than confident in his Muay Thai skills and impressive power to compete with anyone ONE Championship throws his way.