Jonathan Haggerty tells story of the first time his dad took him to Muay Thai class: “They didn't really respect me”

Reigning and undisputed ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom is widely considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.

But he almost didn't become a Muay Thai fighter.

If not for his father, who introduced him to martial arts, and a specific incident when he was 10 years of age at the gym, Haggerty may have followed a different path. But as fate would have it, 'The General' went on to build a stellar fighting career in the world's largest martial arts organization.

Haggerty shared on Winners Talking Podcast of his experience as a young boy training for the first time.

'The General' said:

"I went to Muay Thai when I was about, say about 10. My dad took me to a gym. So his best mate’s son was doing Thai boxing, and then they took me to the gym. I didn't really want to go but I went and then I got partnered up with the champions in that gym and I was just starting at. And they didn't really respect me."

Haggerty continued:

"The kid was holding the pads as I was kicking it and then I just remember he was just like holding the pad with no care. And I just went straight over the pad and kicked him in the face, just to let him know and then from then on, I don't even think he'd come back."

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Jonathan Haggerty says Rodtang is right: "I think I'm quite intimidating"

Just how terrifying is it to be in the ring with 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty? According to the 27-year-old English superstar, just ask his Thai rival, Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Haggerty told Winners Talking Podcast:

"Yeah. I definitely believe so. I remember Rodtang did an interview, and he said I'm one of the scariest fighters he's fought. So yeah, I think I'm quite intimidating. I'd like to think so."

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for all the latest news and updates surrounding Jonathan Haggerty's next fight.