“What's all the fuss about?” - Jonathan Haggerty regrets questioning Rodtang’s fighting ability in first encounter

Reigning and undisputed ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion and former two-sport king 'The General' Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom has been in some incredible ring wars throughout his career, but none more exciting than his pair of bangers with Thai icon 'The Iron Man' Rodtang Jitmuangnon.

Haggerty's first fight against the global megastar was the most memorable by far. 'The General' says he simply did not understand what all the hype was about Rodtang before he stepped into the ring with him.

But as fate would have it, Haggerty soon found out -- Rodtang was the real deal.

Speaking in a recent guest appearance on Winners Talking Podcast, Haggerty detailed what it was like to face Rodtang the first time around.

The Team Underground representative said:

"I remember in the second round, I went back to the corner because everyone was raving about ‘Rodtang this. Rodtang that.’ So when I went back to the corner and then I went ‘What's all the fuss about?’ And then obviously round three happened, he started picking up the pace and I was like ‘Okay, this is what the fuss is about.’"

Haggerty lost a five-round unanimous decision to Rodtang in 2019 and then a third-round TKO to 'The Iron Man' just months after that.

The Englishman will return to action early next year.

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Jonathan Haggerty booked for bantamweight kickboxing title defense against Wei Rui at ONE 171: Qatar

'The General' Jonathan Haggerty of the United Kingdom is set to return to action at ONE 171: Qatar, when he faces Chinese kickboxing icon Wei Rui in defense of his ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title.

The two lock horns at the Lusail Sports Arena on Thursday, February 20, 2025.

Fans in the United States and Canada should visit ONE Championship's official website for more information on how to watch.

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