ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong claims that his organization promotes the best strikers in the world compared to the UFC, a sentiment that is supported by Jonathan Haggerty, the current ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, who believes that the best strikers are on the ONE Championship roster.
ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong recently made waves with his statement that his organization promotes the best strikers in the world, in comparison to what he perceives as “sloppy, mediocre-ish striking” in the UFC. ONE Championship not only promotes MMA, but also includes divisions in Muay Thai and kickboxing, both of which are striking-based sports. Sityodtong believes this strengthens his claim, stating that the levels between ONE and the UFC are “not even close.”
Jonathan Haggerty, the current ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world champion, agrees with his boss, supporting the claim that the best strikers are in ONE Championship. Haggerty explains that this opinion is understandable due to the platform that ONE provides to Muay Thai stylists and kickboxers worldwide. Before ONE, many of these athletes struggled to gain international exposure and financial compensation.
Haggerty himself has experienced the benefits of ONE Championship. He not only conquered the flyweight Muay Thai division, but also scored a major upset by knocking out Nong-O Gaiyanghadao, a two-time Lumpinee Stadium Fighter of the Year, to claim the bantamweight title. He acknowledges the importance of ONE Championship in giving Muay Thai fighters the recognition they deserve.
In his upcoming bout at ONE Fight Night 16, Haggerty aims to become a two-sport champion by challenging Fabricio Andrade for the ONE bantamweight kickboxing title. Andrade, who also holds the ONE MMA bantamweight belt, has gained attention for his impressive performance against UFC veteran John Lineker. Despite Andrade’s accomplishments, Haggerty maintains his belief in the superior striking abilities of ONE Championship athletes compared to those coming from MMA.
Haggerty respects Andrade’s decision to cross over into kickboxing but asserts his confidence in his striking skills against anyone from the MMA world. He anticipates a fierce battle and expects Andrade to come forward aggressively, but he vows to meet the challenge head-on. Haggerty looks forward to proving himself on November 4th and hopes that Andrade brings his best performance.
If Haggerty successfully wins the ONE kickboxing title, he already has future plans in mind. He wants to challenge Andrade for his MMA belt in a rematch, even though Andrade would have an advantage in the MMA discipline. Haggerty reveals that he grew up in an MMA gym and is proficient in its basics. He expresses his eagerness to compete for Andrade’s MMA belt, showcasing his versatility as a fighter.
Ultimately, ONE Championship’s CEO and its athletes, like Haggerty, firmly believe in the superiority of their striking and the opportunities the organization provides to fighters in various disciplines. The upcoming fight between Haggerty and Andrade will be a testament to these claims, and Haggerty remains determined to showcase his skills and further establish his dominance in the world of striking combat sports.