“The Only Reason I Want to Fight Him” – Liam Harrison Reveals Reason Behind Fighting Seksan Before Possible Retirement

Liam Harrison is hoping to figure in one last meaningful fight before he hangs up his gloves, and he has the perfect opponent in mind.

The 38-year-old has been sidelined since suffering a devastating knee injury against Nong-O Hama in their ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title tilt at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August 2022.

Liam Harrison on return from Injury

He was scheduled to return to action last month in a special-rules striking match with John Lineker, but his recovery didn’t go as planned, so he decided not to push through with the fight. Despite being disappointed by the setback, Harrison says it was an easy call to pull out.

“It wasn’t difficult at all, mate [to withdraw from the John Lineker fight]. To be honest, no I’m not going to lie to you, I’m not really interested in fighting John Lineker. There’s nothing in it for me whatsoever. What is there? What is in it for me to fight and what is in it for me to fight an MMA fighter? Nothing,” he told SCMP MMA in a recent interview.

“I was doing it because I was just that eager to get back in the ring. I’d have fought anyone that [they would] have put in front of me, but I’ve been having some knee problems. Obviously, I’ve had problems for quite a few years now, and what Nong-O did to it didn’t really help because he absolutely obliterated every f*****g thing that you can go wrong with your knee. He did it to me in that fight, and he kept me out. I’ve been out since that,” said Harrison.

While returning to ONE Championship is still a top priority, taking any fight offered is not something “Hitman” wants to do. After a storied career that has lasted over 20 years, the British striking legend knows that his time in the ring is limited. As such, he wants to make every outing count, and he’s called out an absolute monster in the hopes that he can make the most of what’s left.

Seksan Or Kwanmuang won all eight of his ONE fights in 2023, and he is arguably the biggest star to emerge from the promotion’s Friday Fights series. After scoring a US$100,000 contract to compete in ONE’s main roster, the Thai veteran is in the crosshairs of many stars, and Harrison would love a chance to take him on, given that he respects him immensely.

“Yeah, it’s not only that [because he’s been on an impressive win streak] but because Seksan’s one of my heroes. He has been for many years. He’s done everything for the sport and the entertainment. He has given (to) the fans over the years by putting his body just out there and on the line. It is absolutely ridiculous, you know? You’re always going to get an absolute war with him, and if it’s going to be my last fight, I’d like it to be an absolute classic. And I think he’s the guy who’ll be able to provide that for me.”

With over 90 wins in more than 100 fights to his name, Liam Harrison is a legend in his own right. The Bad Company representative has competed all over the world, and he is one of the toughest foreigners to compete in Thailand’s competitive stadium circuit.

Also Read: Chatri Sityodtong Says MMA Will Be “Back in Full Force” in 2024 After Monumental Year for Muay Thai

“The Hitman” talks about his possible last fight being against Seksen

If he is in the twilight of his career, “Hitman” wants to go out with a bang. And he sees a generational fighter like Seksan as a perfect foe to face before he calls time.

“I’ve fought every single legend from this era. I’ve not missed anyone off the list other than him. So, if I can get him on the list, I’ll be really happy with the resume. And it should be a nice way to bow out if that is my last fight. And, yeah, like I said, there’s nothing behind it,” Harrison said.

“The only reason I want to fight him is not there’s no disrespect to anything, it’s not out of hate, it’s out of love and admiration for how he fights. And I think what we can make for the fans and what we could make for, like, possibly my last fight, I think it’ll just be a really good way to bow in a blaze of glory. Win, lose, or draw, it’s going to be ridiculous. So I think it’ll be a good one.”

Liam Harrison is planning to end his career, taking on one of the most ruthless fighters in Seksan Or Kwanmuang. How would the UK native fare off in his latest fight against the Muay Thai Legend? let us know how you think the fight will play off in the comments section below.

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