Jonathan Haggerty is ready to come back stronger after losing one of his world titles earlier this month in Denver.
The former two-sport king relinquished the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title to Superlek Kiatmoo9, the ONE flyweight kickboxing world champion, in the main event of ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena.
Haggerty had all the confidence in the world heading into his world title defense, but that came all crashing down in just 49 seconds when he ran into Superlek's brutal elbow in the first round.
Taking to Instagram, Haggerty promised to mount a massive comeback to reclaim his lost throne.
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The British superstar wrote:
"What defines is how well we rise after falling. #illbeback"
Haggerty, who still holds the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title, was riding an impressive six-fight winning streak heading into ONE 168.
'The General' was also on a run of three straight knockouts against Thai legend Nong-O Hama, ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio Andrade, and Felipe Lobo.
Superlek, however, was riding a longer 10-fight winning streak and had wins over ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, Takeru Segawa, Daniel Puertas, and Panpayak Jitmuangnon.
The Denver crowd was beyond hyped for the super fight between world champions, but the insane pop went out in less than a minute after Superlek knocked Haggerty out in less than a minute.
Superlek now holds the ONE flyweight kickboxing and bantamweight Muay Thai world titles and is the second fighter in ONE Championship to hold world titles in two sports and two weight classes.
Roman Kryklia is the first to hold such a distinction and currently holds the ONE light heavyweight kickboxing and heavyweight Muay Thai world titles.
Jonathan Haggerty reflects on his world title loss to Superlek
Jonathan Haggerty always knew fighting an in-form Superlek was always a risk, especially with a world title on the line.
In an interview with ONE Championship, Haggerty said he already experienced losing a world title and has what it takes to bounce back from such a difficult period:
"Tough day at the office, but I dared to be great. I'll be back, I've been in this position before, and I'll definitely be back stronger than ever."
Haggerty beat Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao for the ONE flyweight Muay Thai world title in May 2019 but lost the strap to current holder Rodtang Jitmuangnon in August 2019.
Despite the setback, Haggerty would move to bantamweight and capture two of the division's world titles.