3 Potential Opponents For Jonathan Haggerty’s Next Fight
Fans can’t wait to see Jonathan “The General” Haggerty back in action following his unfortunate withdrawal from the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Grand Prix.
The British star is one of the most exciting strikers in ONE Championship, and his premature exit from the sport’s biggest tournament was a major blow.
However, there are still plenty of fascinating fights out there for the 25-year-old.
Here are three potential opponents we’d love to see in a matchup against the former ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion.
#1 Panpayak Jitmuangnon
Aside from #2-ranked Haggerty, Panpayak Jitmuangnon is the highest-ranked flyweight Muay Thai contender outside of the ongoing Grand Prix.
The Thai star was scheduled to face Josue Cruz in an alternate bout at ONE 157, but Cruz stepped up to face Walter Goncalves in the quarterfinals when Haggerty was forced to withdraw due to illness.
A matchup between “The General” and #3-ranked Panpayak would offer up some intriguing action in the division while ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon, #1-ranked Superlek Kiatmoo9, #4-ranked Savvas Michael, and #5-ranked Goncalves compete in the Grand Prix semfiinals.
Meanwhile, Panpayak owns a solid 3-1 record in ONE, with his only defeat coming to Superlek, and he’s one of the most revered competitors in Thailand.
As a multiple-time Lumpinee and Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai World Champion, he would be a massive test for Haggerty – and a huge scalp if the British striker could beat him.
#2 Elias Mahmoudi
French-Algerian sensation Elias Mahmoudi is one of the other top European Muay Thai stars at flyweight, and just like Haggerty, he’s pure excitement in the Circle.
“The Sniper” has gone up against Thailand’s best – including Petchdam Petchyindee and Lerdsila Phuket Top Team – but a fight against “The General” has the potential for even more fireworks.
Both men throw a vast array of strikes with serious venom. In addition to their solid fundamentals, Mahmoudi lets rip with flying and spinning attacks from all angles, while Haggerty is known for his ferocious elbows.
These strikers were scheduled to meet in 2021 before COVID-19 restrictions forced a cancelation, and if they throw down, the result would have major ramifications for ONE’s flyweight divisions.
“The General” could establish his position as the most dangerous European striker, while former ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Title challenger Mahmoudi would take a massive leap back toward contention by taking out the former Muay Thai king.
#3 Ilias Ennahachi (In MMA)
An all-striking battle with reigning ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Champion Ilias Ennahachi would undoubtedly result in a firefight, but the curveball in this scenario could be a mixed martial arts showdown.
Haggerty has been training MMA on the side for many years and has amplified his thoughts about a move to the all-around sport in recent months. But rather than meet a seasoned competitior, he could face somebody in a similar situation.
Ennahachi has also been vocal about wanting a move into MMA, and he recently showcased some of his wrestling training on social media.
Fans would surely love to witness these superstars square off under any rule set, but a pair of mixed martial arts debuts would bring the intrigue to another level.
If it’s finely balanced on the feet, which World Champion striker could gain an edge on the ground? That would be the question on everybody’s minds.
