Taiki Naito and Jonathan Haggerty exchanged blows in the year 2020. However, Naito still remembers his iconic fight and feels Haggerty is the best in the business. During a recent interview with Raj Sarkar of EssentiallySports, he said, So, the toughest fight I have had in ONE Championship, I would say, was against Jonathan Haggerty. Haggerty dropped Naito twice in the fight but eventually won it via knockout.

Naito further emphasized on the fight and said, “When I fought against Haggerty, I felt how strong and tough he is. I understand that Haggerty is a formidable opponent. I hope to fight against Haggerty at some point.” While that challenge may not be in the near future considering “The General” now fights over at bantamweight, Naito is shifting his focus to his upcoming fight at ONE Fight Night 24. 

Taiki Naito is all set to take on Elias Mahmoudi in his next fight at ONE Fight Night 24 

Japanese kickboxing star Taiki Naito is all set for the next big challenge of his career. ‘ Silent Sniper’ will take on Elias Mahmoudi in a highly anticipated clash on August 2. ‘ The Sniper’ is currently the #5 ranked fighter in the ONE flyweight kickboxing division. Mahmoudi is a multi-time Muay Thai champion and is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport. Even Naito is aware of the threats possessed by Mahmoudi.

While speaking to Raj Sarkar of EssentiallySports, the Japanese athlete shared his thoughts on his opponent. He said, “First of all, I think that Mahmoudi is a great fighter with excellent Muay Thai technique. Mahmoudi was supposed to fight Superlek in January but was postponed due to injury. So, yes, he has a strong guard and great skills, making this fight a very tough and challenging one for them.”  

‘The Sniper’ has constantly impressed fans with his electrifying performances in ONE. In his most recent appearance, he took out former World Title challenger Edgar Tabares with a first-round knockout. However, he will be up against a unique challenge against the Japanese striker.

Naito has struggled in his recent appearances, and he will look to bounce back with a statement win against Mahmoudi. Regardless of the result, he could consider following Haggerty to the bantamweight ranks to possibly unleash more of his power, like the Brit did when he moved up. Now a two-sport World Champion in the division, Haggerty will get to showcase his talents once again in ONE’s second show in North America.

Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek Kiatmoo9 ready to lock horns at ONE:168 

Jonathan Haggerty will put his bantamweight Muay Thai world championship title on the line against Thai superstar “The Kicking Machine” Superlek Kiatmoo9 at ONE 168: Denver, scheduled on U.S. primetime on Friday, September 6. The fight promises to be a blockbuster, as two of the best strikers will go up against each other. Haggerty recently fought back from a devastating first-round knockdown and knocked out Felipe Lobo with one punch to retain his title. 

Superlek, on the other hand, is moving up a division to take on the hard-hitting Brit. “The Kicking Machine” currently holds the ONE Flyweight Kickboxing World Championship. He is fresh off an impressive victory over Japanese star Takeru Segawa at ONE 165 earlier this year. Superlek also defeated Haggerty before, as they met outside ONE in 2018 and will look to repeat the feat. Haggerty, on the other hand, is at an all-time high in his confidence after dominating his fights in the bantamweight division, and he will look to keep his momentum going. 

Who do you think will win the fight between the two best strikers at ONE: 168 Denver? Let us know in the comments below.