Jonathan `The General` Haggerty silenced his critics with a victory to retain his kickboxing belt at ONE 171: Qatar, while Jake Peacock returned victorious.
Five months after losing the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship in 49 seconds, the Londoner bounced back from his career`s toughest defeat to retain his kickboxing belt at ONE 171: Qatar on Thursday.
Haggerty, who had limited experience in kickboxing before winning the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title in November 2023, proved his mastery of striking arts by outclassing No. 1 contender `Demon Blade` Wei Rui at Lusail Sports Arena in Qatar.
While the 28-year-old Briton tested the waters with low kicks and single shots in the first round, Wei responded with his own kicks and multi-punch combinations.
However, in the second round, Haggerty found his rhythm and took control of the fight. `The General` moved with grace and precision, constantly switching stances to confuse his challenger, delivering strikes to the nearest limb, and retreating before Wei could retaliate.
The Londoner increased the intensity in the third round, landing right hands, push kicks, and knees. Wei attempted to keep pace and launched body kicks, but he couldn`t match the speed of the reigning champion.
Although the Chinese fighter applied more pressure and showed urgency in the championship rounds, Haggerty`s defense and distance control were exceptional. The Briton continued to punish his opponent with powerful right hands, knees, body kicks, and push kicks until the final bell, earning admiration from the audience.
Ultimately, all three judges awarded a unanimous decision victory to Haggerty, with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. With this win, the Londoner defends his kickboxing belt, improves his record to 23-5, and ends Wei`s impressive 21-fight winning streak.
Haggerty`s next fight is yet to be announced, but he has expressed interest in reclaiming the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Championship.
Peacock Returns with Knockout Performance
After a 10-month absence, Jake `The One` Peacock made a triumphant return to the ONE Championship Circle, and he did not disappoint.
The inspirational fighter with a limb difference dominated Japanese Muay Thai star Shinji Suzuki, eventually knocking him out in the final moments of their three-round bantamweight Muay Thai match.
Peacock, winner of Road to ONE: Canada, adopted a measured approach in the first round, establishing his range with low kicks and punches.
The action intensified in the second round, as the British-Canadian fighter knocked down his Asian rival with a left knee to the head.
From there, it was downhill for Suzuki.
Just seconds into the third round, Peacock dropped him with a right elbow. The Japanese fighter beat the referee`s count, but a low kick moments later sent him back to the canvas. Finally, the British-Canadian striker overwhelmed him with a left elbow against the Circle Wall, followed by punches, a head kick, and a final left hand to end the fight.
The victory improves Peacock`s record to 14-1 and marks his 12th knockout victory. Following the fight, he expressed his desire to compete again soon and have a more active year in 2025.
