Surging strawweight MMA standout Lito “Thunder Kid” Adiwang is drawing inspiration from fellow ONE superstar, two-sport ONE World Champion Jonathan “The General” Haggerty.
On February 16 in U.S. primetime, Adiwang will square off with dangerous striker “Mini T” Danial Williams, live from Bangkok’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium at ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo on Prime Video.
Lito Adiwang talks about Jonathan Haggerty’s career in combat sports
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That night, “Thunder Kid” will lock horns with Williams just minutes before Haggerty defends his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title against Brazilian knockout artist Felipe “Demolition Man” Lobo.
Adiwang is proud to be fighting on the same card as Haggerty, having followed the Brit’s winding journey through the world’s largest martial arts organization.
He’s inspired by “The General’s” determination. After winning the flyweight Muay Thai crown in just his second ONE fight, Haggerty would then lose back-to-back fights against Rodtang Jitmuangnon before moving up in weight to eventually claim the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Titles.
The Filipino phenom explained what makes the titleholder such an inspiration:
“I watched [Haggerty’s] ups and downs, and he really has an amazing story. It’s also motivating because he became a champion, lost to Rodtang, came back. His biggest comeback was when he returned, went up to bantamweight, beat Nong-O, beat the MMA champ Fabricio in kickboxing. It’s really a beautiful story.”
“For me, when you watch how his career panned out, it’s really motivating for us fighters. If you really believe in yourself, and even though you lose, just don’t stop going.”
Like Haggerty, Adiwang previously lost two in a row only to bounce back and is now riding a two-fight winning streak ahead of his clash with Williams.
“Thunder Kid” gives his pick for the main event of ONE Fight Night 19
When asked to make a pick for the main event of ONE Fight Night 19, “Thunder Kid” is confidently siding with the defending World Champion, citing his elite fight IQ and experience at the highest levels of the sport:
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’ll give my pick first, I’ll go with Haggerty. His experience to fight in a 5-round World Title fight, his experience against the top caliber fighters, those are his advantages. That’s his edge. He fought the more dangerous fighters.”
“But, Haggerty is also smart. He has what it takes to shut down the skill set of Lobo’s.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you agree with Lito Adiwang’s pick for the main event of ONE Fight Night 19? or do you believe that the event will crown a new champion in Felipe Lobo? Give us your take in the comments section below.
Also Read: “He Likes to Talk a Lot” – Felipe Lobo Looking to Shut Jonathan Haggerty Up at ONE Fight Night 19
