3 Wins That Led To Liam Harrison’s World Title Shot At Nong-O Gaiyanghadao
Liam Harrison’s gutsy displays in the ONE Championship Circle have proven that he can still compete with the most elite strikers on the planet.
The British fan favorite showcases terrifying power, plenty of heart, and a willingness to attack. And he’ll aim to impress once again at ONE on Prime Video 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Friday, August 26.
That evening, the Leeds native will attempt to dethrone longtime ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao – live in North American primetime.
Before “Hitman” takes his shot at the Thai legend, let’s revisit three victories that earned him this World Title opportunity.
Complete Destruction of ‘Jordan Boy’
Harrison’s ultra-aggressive style has gained him numerous highlight-reel knockouts, and his demolition of Mohammed “Jordan Boy” Bin Mahmoud at ONE: A NEW TOMORROW was no different.
In that January 2020 matchup, the Bad Company representative dropped the Malaysian three times in Bangkok, Thailand, to score an emphatic 123-second TKO.
“Hitman” first charged forward and delivered a crunching liver shot, and while Mahmoud was recovering, the Englishman connected with another left hook that floored the young phenom.
“Jordan Boy” answered the referee’s eight-count, but as soon as he regained his feet, Harrison sprung forward with a barrage of punches and elbows that sent him down for another count.
Mahmoud somehow managed to get back up, but “Hitman” showed no mercy and entered the pocket with a final salvo of strikes to record his first stoppage win in ONE Championship.
Continues Winning Streak On Home Soil
“Hitman” earned his fourth consecutive victory with an absolute striking clinic against Brayan Matias at a Road To ONE: Muay Thai Grand Prix event in October 2021.
In the opening round, Matias showed his willingness to stand and bang. But while he did land a couple of kicks and straight rights, Harrison hit with more power and precision to end the frame with momentum on his side.
When the action resumed, the English fighter went up a gear in front of his home fans in London. “Hitman” started hurting his foe with his trademark left kicks and ripped through Matias’ defense with wild combinations.
It was still anyone’s game in the third and final stanza, but Harrison appeared to want it a bit more. He tagged the Frenchman with a variety of tricky strikes, including a spinning back elbow that momentarily dropped Matias.
After three rounds of battle, Harrison delighted the crowd with a well-deserved decision.
Storms Back To Defeat Muangthai In Epic Showdown
Harrison earned one of the most impressive – and most exciting – wins of his storied career versus “Elbow Zombie” Muangthai PK.Saenchai at ONE 158 this past April.
However, it was not smooth sailing for the British veteran. Just slightly over a minute into the first round, Harrison was sent to the ground twice from a high kick and then from a straight left.
It appeared that Muangthai was on the cusp of securing a pivotal victory, but “Hitman” got back up, showcased tremendous determination, and continued on.
Ultimately, the Englishman’s fighting spirit led to perhaps the greatest comeback ever witnessed inside the Circle.
Harrison first responded by uncorking a left hook that crushed the Thai to the canvas for a knockdown. And just seconds later, he floored “Elbow Zombie” with a similar weapon.
At that point, another knockdown in the first round would result in an automatic TKO. With that in mind, the two warriors traded strike for strike in the pocket, but it was Harrison who overwhelmed Muangthai with another barrage of punches that sent him down.
With the stunning victory, “Hitman” bumped his record to 90-24-2, earned a US$100,000 performance bonus, and officially secured his World Title shot at Nong-O.
