“One of the most important fights in my career” - Jonathan Haggerty on the gravity of headlining a U.S. card against Superlek

Double ONE world champion Jonathan Haggerty is no longer a stranger to big fights but believes that his scheduled match next month in the United States against Thai superstar Superlek Kiatmoo9 is one of the most important in his career.

'The General' will defend his ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title against flyweight kickboxing king Superlek in an all-champion super fight at ONE 168 in Denver Colorado, on Sept. 6. It will be the headlining contest of the event happening at the 21,000-seater Ball Arena, home of the NBA's Denver Nuggets.

In an interview with the South China Morning Post, Jonathan Haggerty spoke of the significance of his marquee title showdown against 'The Kicking Machine', highlighting how competing in the U.S. is something he's wanted to do ever since he was a kid.

The 27-year-old British champion said:

"Yeah, this is probably one of the most important fights in my career, and if not, it will be one of the most important fights. To be fighting out in the U.S. is exciting for me, because I remember, when I was a child, I used to grow up watching the fights in the American cards, all the crowd. I always told myself, and I always told my dad, this is where I want to fight and to be headlining the show."

Watch the interview below:

At ONE 168, Jonathan Haggerty, who is also the bantamweight kickboxing champion, will defend his Muay Thai gold for the second time. He successfully retained it in his last fight in February with a third-round TKO of Brazilian challenger Felipe Lobo.

Looking to cut his reign is Superlek, winner of his last 10 matches and out to realize his double world champion goal.

ONE 168: Denver will air live and for free in U.S. primetime to North American fans with an active Amazon Prime Video subscription. Tickets for the event are available for purchase on Ticketmaster.

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Jonathan Haggerty also looks to get revenge against Superlek at ONE 168

Jonathan Haggerty is not only out to retain the bantamweight Muay Thai world title at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6 but is also looking to even the score with Superlek Kiatmoo9, who he lost to in their first encounter prior to them joining ONE Championship.

The two top strikers met in October 2018 in the United Kingdom, with Haggerty losing by TKO (doctor stoppage/cut). It is a defeat that still resonates to this day and something he looks to finally redeem himself from in their scheduled rematch.

'The General' shared to Sky Sports MMA Club in an interview:

"I fought him before, around seven to eight years ago, and he managed to stop me in the second round due to a cut . But, now it's the time to get revenge, and I'm excited for it."

Heading into ONE 168, Jonathan Haggerty has won sixth straight, the last three all having world title implications.