On Thursday, February 20, Jonathan Haggerty defends ONE Championship gold at ONE 171: Qatar. It is a bout he called for in 2024, hoping to compete inside Lusail Sports Arena. In the main event, “The General” defends the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against Wei Rui.
“I went out in March 2024 for ONE 166, and I told Mr. Chatri I’d love to be a part of the next show. Obviously, we are here now, and it’s up to me to go in there and put the W in front of the L,” Jonathan Haggerty mentioned to ONE.
Jonathan Haggerty Has Hands Full in ONE 171 vs. Wei Rui
“The General” knows it will not be an easy task, but that is exactly how he likes it. Haggerty lost the Muay Thai crown to Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168, and is motivated to return to the win column while defending his strap against another elite striker. China’s Wei offers a wide array of strikes that Jonathan Haggerty knows could end the match at any moment.
ONE-ROUND SHOCKER 🤯 Before 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
🌎 Live TV broadcast in 190+ countries (check local listings)
🌎 Also… pic.twitter.com/mgCxtc9wZ1— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) February 11, 2025
“I’m going from the pound-for-pound best in Superlek to another world-class striker in Wei Rui, so I certainly rate him. He beat Hiroki Akimoto, who is great opposition in his own right. So we are not taking him lightly. But we do think we can do a demolition job on him for sure,” Jonathan Haggerty said.
Jonathan Haggerty Hoping To Restore Former Glory in ONE 171
After being unseated by Superlek so quickly, Jonathan Haggerty wants to remind everyone why he was once a two-sport king. Against Wei, the talented Brit feels he can add to his highlight reel. At ONE 171, fans can expect an aggressive Haggerty to come out firing on all cylinders.
“I feel confident that I can put on a spectacular performance. I want to go down the same route as I did against Andrade, so I’m thinking a second-round stoppage. I’m coming to show everyone why I’m still the best in the world,” the Brit commented.
We've got two EPIC World Title fights set for ONE's return to Qatar on February 20 👑👑 Get your early bird tickets NOW and don't miss all the action 👉 https://t.co/xIMFKipraz pic.twitter.com/JpCnuaEflz
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) December 9, 2024
Prior to ONE 168, Jonathan Haggerty was eyeing meeting Fabricio Andrade in MMA to have a shot at gold in three sports. The loss put those plans on the backburner. Now, the 28-year-old wants to rededicate himself to showing the world he is the pound-for-pound best striker across all striking arts.
“I was at the point earlier last year where I was ready to [try MMA]. But now, losing the Muay Thai belt, that’s my bread and butter, and that setback didn’t help. So the timing is off again. My main priority is to get the Muay Thai belt back,” the bantamweight champion stated.
Jonathan Haggerty Ready For Another MMA Fight If Right Opponent Comes Calling
While his intentions are clearly stated, Haggerty is not ready to close the door on the prospect of MMA just yet. If a golden opportunity comes, he will accept the task. The allure of being a three-sport king is still enticing to “The General.”
“If ONE wants to give me a MMA fight, then I’m happy to take a fight. It excites me. But right now, I must defend the kickboxing belt,” Jonathan Haggerty said.
ONE 171 airs live on Thursday, February 20. The event emanates from Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar. Stay tuned at MMASucka.com for more details as they come.