“The Best in the UK’- Jonathan Haggerty Welcomes Potential All-English Clash Against Liam Harrison While Superlek Awaits for ONE 168

A simmering feud exists between ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty, and the #5 ranked Muay Thai contender, Liam Harrison. Both hailing from Britain, Haggerty has been persistently calling out Harrison for a fight. However, the 38-year-old veteran, Harrison, has opted to face opponents closer to his age.

Haggerty, currently in his prime at 26, will be defending his Muay Thai crown against Superlek Kiatmoo9 in a clash at ONE 168: Denver. This highly anticipated bout takes place on September 7th, 2024, during the US primetime slot.

Meanwhile, on the same card, Liam Harrison will also be in action. He’ll be facing either Seksan Or Kwanmuang in a catchweight Muay Thai fight set at 140lbs. Interestingly, in a recent podcast with a renowned media house, Jonathan Haggerty reiterated his desire to fight Liam Harrison in a Muay Thai bout.

Jonathan Haggerty eyes all-English clash with Liam Harrison

After finally shaking off multiple setbacks in his recovery from injury, Liam Harrison was chomping at the bit to return at ONE 167 this past weekend. Scheduled for a bantamweight Muay Thai fight with Katsuki Kitano, disaster struck at weigh-ins. 

A miscommunication with the ONE officials left him one pound over the weight limit. After weighing his options, he ultimately decided to withdraw from the fight. Dejected, Harrison now sets his sights on ONE 168: Denver.

On a recent Sky Sports MMA Club podcast, the host threw out the idea of a fight between Jonathan Haggerty and his fellow Brit, Liam Harrison, despite the latter’s past reluctance. Haggerty, clearly not giving up on his dream matchup, fired back, ” They are for sure. We are both the best in the UK, there is no doubt about it. Once the fight gets great, does great for the fans, they are gonna jump in loving it.” He went on to emphasize his desire to fulfill the fans’ wishes, adding, “Hopefully, one day we’ll make it happen.”

Now, the wait is on to see how Liam Harrison responds to Haggerty’s comments on the podcast. Things seem tense between them, which isn’t surprising considering Harrison’s last interview with Sky Sports. He threw some shade at Haggerty, calling him the “Jake Paul of Muay Thai.”

Harrison responds to Haggerty’s remarks

Reigning as a simultaneous ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai and Kickboxing World Champion, Jonathan Haggerty is a force to be reckoned with in the division. However, his ambition extends beyond his current accolades. He has one burning desire: a fight with fellow Brit Liam Harrison.

Harrison, however, hasn’t been receptive. In his appearance last month on the Sky MMA Club podcast interview, Harrison’s response to Haggerty’s call-out was less than enthusiastic. “Calling me out all the time is gonna make him look like Jake Paul of Muay Thai,” Harrison continued. “Show some respect for a start. I’ve knocked out more elite-level fighters than he’s ever had fights. It’s like I live in his head rent-free because he won’t shut up about fighting me.”

Interestingly, despite his dismissive tone, Harrison seems to believe the fight would be competitive. He acknowledged Haggerty’s youth and prime physical condition, admitting he might have had an easier time in his own younger days. However, his comments suggest he still thinks he can win, framing it as a close fight 50-50 chance.

Whom would you like to see clinch the win if a fight between Jonathan Haggerty and Liam Harrison takes place someday in the future? Let us know in the comment box.