Current ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty faces his toughest test as he prepares to defend his Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against the fearsome Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver. ONE kickboxing Flyweight World Champion, Superlek is bulking up to challenge Haggerty in the Bantamweight division. The fight will take place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.

In a recent interview on a renowned sports podcast, Haggerty revealed his insight into Superlek’s strengths and weaknesses. While acknowledging Superlek’s power, Haggerty seemed confident in his own abilities. This promises to be an exciting clash between two elite strikers.

Jonathan Haggerty acknowledges Superlek’s American fan support

Two-time ONE Muay Thai World Champion, Jonathan Haggerty, isn’t known for throwing wild punches and kicks. Instead, he’s a master of striking accuracy, patiently waiting for openings to unleash focused strikes. He also employs a clever strategy of mental warfare, aiming to break down his opponent before the fight even begins. This calculated approach has earned him the nickname “The General.”

On the Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, the host inquired how competing at ONE 168: Denver, outside of Indonesia, might affect both Haggerty and his opponent, Superlek Kiatmoo9. Responding to that, Haggerty said, “So, right now, my trainer and I believe that he doesn’t like to travel well. We’re going to be prepared. We’re going to spend the last four weeks of fight camp out in America.”

However, Haggerty also acknowledged a concern, the potentially large American following for Superlek which creates mental pressure for him.

Superlek, meanwhile, isn’t concerned about losing his speed despite moving up in weight to face Haggerty. “The Kicking Machine” has spoken openly about gaining weight and competing in a higher-weight class for his upcoming fight with Haggerty at ONE 168: Denver.

Superlek dismisses weight class concern

Despite moving up in weight, Superlek recently assured fans in an interview that he’s not sweating on a loss of speed. During his interview with Sportskeeda, Superlek addressed concerns about maintaining his fighting skills at a higher weight class. However, he confidently stated, “I don’t think going up one weight class will slow me down.”

While Haggerty shouldn’t underestimate Superlek’s impressive ONE Championship Muay Thai record of 9-0, including a victory over flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon, the fact remains that the Thai star is yet to capture ONE gold in Muay Thai. This upcoming fight with Haggerty presents a golden opportunity for Superlek to add another championship to his already decorated career.

Moreover, with just 84 days until ONE: 168: Denver, both fighters are in the thick of training, leaving no room for error in their preparation. Who do you think will win? Will it be the reigning Champion Jonathan Haggerty or will Superlek Kiatmoo9 claim his first ONE Muay Thai title? Let us know in the comments below.