Jonathan Haggerty targets Nico Carrillo, MMA belt next after beating Superlek at ONE 168: Denver

ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion Jonathan Haggerty is currently focused on defending his title against Superlek Kiatmoo9 this week in the United States. However, he has his next moves planned, including taking on the top contender in the division and also dipping his hands in MMA.

The 27-year-old Englishman looks to retain the bantamweight Muay Thai gold against Superlek at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, on Sept. 6. The contest serves as the headliner of the event happening at the Ball Arena and airing live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription.

Talking to InsideFighting, Jonathan Haggerty, who is also the bantamweight kickboxing world champion, disclosed his future plans in the event he defeats Superlek.

'The General' said:

"My plan is to beat [No. 1 bantamweight Muay Thai contender] Nico Carrillo. But at the same time, it's unfair to keep the kickboxing division on hold. I think they've got a new number one up there, and I've been defending my Muay Thai belt, I'll be defending it again [this Friday]."

He added:

"So I think it's only fair that I can defend the kickboxing division as well. I've tied myself up pretty much, but I'm gonna tie myself up even more by going into the MMA division. Yeah, why not?"

Watch the interview below:

Tickets for ONE 168: Denver are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.

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Jonathan Haggerty excited to take on Superlek in battle of the best

Jonathan Haggerty considers Superlek Kiatmoo9 as among the top fighters in the game right now, which is why he is excited to face off with the Thai superstar at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 and come up with a win.

The Orpington, England native made this known in an interview with the South China Morning Post, highligting how a victory over 'The Kicking Machine' will be telling in the pecking order of top strikers in the world.

Haggerty said:

"Yeah, I'd say he's up there with the pound for pound, best in the world at the moment. Hence why the fight excites me, and I'm excited to showcase some skill and show why I am the best.

"So, yeah, I'd say I'd put him up there as pound-for-pound, one of the best at the moment, for sure."

ONE 168: Denver will be Haggerty's second defense of the world title he won in April last year. He retained the belt in his last fight back in February with a third-round TKO of Brazilian challenger Felipe Lobo.