“Nobody could beat Nong-O” - Jonathan Haggerty talks of Thai legend Nong-O Hama’s aura in the lead-up to his stunning world title win

Jonathan Haggerty may have left with the gold after that night, but the former ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion had nothing but respect for Nong-O Hama's sheer aura.

The British superstar said in an interview with Winners Talking Podcast that Nong-O was at another plane of existence heading into their world title match at ONE Fight Night 9 in Bangkok.

Haggerty, however, shattered the mystique when he knocked out the Thai legend for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title.

He said:

"And at that stage nobody could beat Nong-O. Nong-O was 10 fights undefeated on that show, 10 knockouts."

Nong-O, the inaugural ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, was a perfect 10-0 and was on a streak of five straight knockouts before he lost the gold to Haggerty.

'The General' had one successful defense of the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world championship when he knocked out Felipe Lobo at ONE Fight Night 19 before relinquishing the throne to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver.

Despite his loss to Superlek, who also holds the ONE flyweight kickboxing world title, Haggerty remains a world champion and reigns as the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion.

Haggerty claimed the vacant ONE bantamweight kickboxing world championship when he beat Fabricio Andrade at ONE Fight Night 16.

Watch Haggerty's entire interview below:

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Christian Knowles reveals Jonathan Haggerty will defend bantamweight kickboxing throne in return to action

Jonathan Haggerty is set to solidify his reign at the top of the bantamweight kickboxing division.

Famed trainer Christian Knowles revealed on Instagram that his ward will defend the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title after signing the match's contract.

Knowles posted on Instagram:

"🚨 Big News! 🚨 Next big fight CONFIRMED for Jonathan Haggerty on the global stage with ONE Championship defending his kickboxing world title! 🥊🔥 We couldn’t be prouder of Jon as he continues to showcase his incredible talent at the highest level of Muay Thai and kickboxing. This is going to be a fight to remember!"

It's unclear who Haggerty will defend the bantamweight throne against, but the division remains littered with potential fighters who can produce that super fight against the former two-sport world champion.