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Jonathan Haggerty has supported Rodtang Jitmuangnon in his bid to regain the ONE Championship flyweight Muay Thai title as he competes against Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at ONE 173 in Tokyo — and shared that their own series of matches was more imminent than fans believed.

The kicker versus the puncher,” Haggerty said to the Bangkok Post. “If Rodtang shows up and trains as he did for the Takeru fight, and he follows a diet and is at his peak, I think he can come out victorious.

But he must be at his best because Nong-O is not someone to be taken lightly. A true legend in the sport. It’s going to be a challenging fight, but I believe Rodtang could come out victorious.

A 28-year-old British ‘General’ has a well-documented past with both individuals, naturally.

Rodtang concluded Haggerty’s initial tenure as the ONE flyweight Muay Thai champion in Manila in 2019, later defending the title with a third-round TKO in their rematch held in Bangkok in January 2020.

Since that time, Haggerty has transitioned to bantamweight after facing difficulties in meeting the flyweight weight class. This move rejuvenated his career, resulting in consecutive world championships in Muay Thai and kickboxing – securing the former against Nong-O in 2023.

The planned Rodtang trilogy was scheduled to occur at bantamweight – a weight class where Haggerty has appeared more powerful and resilient.

Rodtang, yeah I thought it was going to happen,” he said. “I signed the contract, I was all set to go from what I recall. Perhaps because he had a baby – congratulations to him – maybe that caused a slight delay in the fight. I’m not exactly sure what went on there.

Both of us have strong matches ahead, and we hope to come out of them in good health.

ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong stated following ONE 172 that ‘Haggerty is the next opponent for Rodtang,’ with the match expected to take place at the promotion’s scheduled Denver event in August. However, the event was subsequently delayed due to an injury sustained by Stamp Fairtex.

Rodtang, on the other hand, welcomed his son Zlatan in July alongside his wife Aida Looksaikongdin. The ‘Iron Man’ will now face the renowned former ONE bantamweight champion Nong-O on November 16 at Ariake Arena, as the organization makes its second major event of 2025 in Japan.

Haggerty will also participate in the same event, challenging Nabil Anane for the bantamweight Muay Thai world championship in an effort to regain the title he previously lost to Superlek Kiatmuu9 last year.

I feel at home in the bantamweight division,” he said. “But catchweights or super fights—anything’s possible. You know me, I’m ready to move up.

I’m not sure if I’m ready to drop down to flyweight again,” he said with a laugh, dismissing a potential move to Nong-O. “But who knows. Super fights, let’s definitely keep the audience entertained.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).