On Thursday, February 20, Jonathan Haggerty defends ONE Championship gold at ONE 171: Qatar. It’s a bout he known as for in 2024, hoping to compete inside Lusail Sports activities Enviornment. In the principle occasion, “The Normal” defends the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title in opposition to Wei Rui.
“I went out in March 2024 for ONE 166, and I instructed Mr. Chatri I’d like to be part of the following present. Clearly, we’re right here now, and it’s as much as me to go in there and put the W in entrance of the L,” Jonathan Haggerty talked about to ONE.
Jonathan Haggerty Has Arms Full in ONE 171 vs. Wei Rui
“The Normal” is aware of it won’t be a simple activity, however that’s precisely how he likes it. Haggerty misplaced the Muay Thai crown to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168, and is motivated to return to the win column whereas defending his strap in opposition to one other elite striker. China’s Wei presents a wide selection of strikes that Jonathan Haggerty is aware of may finish the match at any second.
ONE-ROUND SHOCKER
Earlier than Jonathan Haggerty faces Wei Rui at ONE 171: Qatar, relive his historic upset of Thai legend Nong-O! @visitqatar @qatarcalendar#ONE171 #VisitQatar | Feb 20 5PM AST/9AM ET
Dwell TV broadcast in 190+ nations (examine native listings)
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) February 11, 2025
“I’m going from the pound-for-pound greatest in Superlek to a different world-class striker in Wei Rui, so I actually fee him. He beat Hiroki Akimoto, who’s nice opposition in his personal proper. So we aren’t taking him flippantly. However we do assume we will do a demolition job on him for certain,” Jonathan Haggerty mentioned.
Jonathan Haggerty Hoping To Restore Former Glory in ONE 171
After being unseated by Superlek so rapidly, Jonathan Haggerty needs to remind everybody why he was as soon as a two-sport king. In opposition to Wei, the gifted Brit feels he can add to his spotlight reel. At ONE 171, followers can count on an aggressive Haggerty to come back out firing on all cylinders.
“I really feel assured that I can placed on a spectacular efficiency. I need to go down the identical route as I did in opposition to Andrade, so I’m pondering a second-round stoppage. I’m coming to indicate everybody why I’m nonetheless one of the best on the planet,” the Brit commented.
We have two EPIC World Title fights set for ONE’s return to Qatar on February 20
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— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 9, 2024
Previous to ONE 168, Jonathan Haggerty was eyeing assembly Fabricio Andrade in MMA to have a shot at gold in three sports activities. The loss put these plans on the backburner. Now, the 28-year-old needs to rededicate himself to exhibiting the world he’s the pound-for-pound greatest striker throughout all placing arts.
“I used to be on the level earlier final yr the place I used to be able to [try MMA]. However now, dropping the Muay Thai belt, that’s my bread and butter, and that setback didn’t assist. So the timing is off once more. My principal precedence is to get the Muay Thai belt again,” the bantamweight champion said.
Jonathan Haggerty Prepared For One other MMA Battle If Proper Opponent Comes Calling
Whereas his intentions are clearly said, Haggerty shouldn’t be prepared to shut the door on the prospect of MMA simply but. If a golden alternative comes, he’ll settle for the duty. The attract of being a three-sport king continues to be attractive to “The Normal.”
“If ONE needs to present me a MMA combat, then I’m pleased to take a combat. It excites me. However proper now, I need to defend the kickboxing belt,” Jonathan Haggerty mentioned.
ONE 171 airs stay on Thursday, February 20. The occasion emanates from Lusail Sports activities Enviornment in Qatar. Keep tuned at MMASucka.com for extra particulars as they arrive.
