EXCLUSIVE | Jonathan Haggerty Eyes Muay Thai Gold In 2023, Details Plans For MMA

With 2023 looming, Jonathan Haggerty feels his transition to mixed martial arts is moving closer to becoming a reality.

The British striker has been slowly honing his grappling repertoire while training for Muay Thai competitions, and he’s excited about the challenges that await him in the all-encompassing sport.

“I’d just love to be able to get in the Circle and fight under the MMA ruleset so I can test myself,” Haggerty said. 

“I love the tests. You can tell by the opponents I’ve faced that I love tests. Getting my back on the canvas. Throwing a few triangles. It might be exciting. I might fall in love with it. Who knows?”

The crossover to MMA has long been on Haggerty’s mind. He’s even gone as far as call out ONE Flyweight Champion, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson.

“The General” has always been about testing himself, and he feels 2023 will provide the ultimate assignments.

“I haven’t really put it all together yet,” Haggerty confessed. 

“I haven’t really done any takedowns, to be quite honest. But I’m very confident that I can adapt. I’m very good at adapting to any situation.

“Whether I can do a Thai boxing stance, like tap the front leg, or just bounce about and be an MMA fighter, I feel like I’m pretty adaptable. It shouldn’t be a problem.” 

Haggerty has already reached the highest heights in ONE Championship. The Englishman held the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship for a time, before two epic encounters with Rodtang Jitmuangnon saw him part ways with the coveted gold.

The 25-year-old now competes one division higher. And despite his mixed martial arts move nearing, he continues to eye the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship – currently held by unbeaten superstar Nong-O Gaiyanghadao. 

“100 percent. I’m ready to go for that ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title,” Haggerty said. 

“I have no doubt in myself. I have the ability. And I have every weapon to win that belt. In 2023, I will get it.”