ONE Championship's Best Individual Performances Through First Quadrimestre Of 2019

The first four months of 2019 have had an abundance of memorable performances from ONE Championship athletes
The first four months of 2019 have had an abundance of memorable performances from ONE Championship athletes

#3 Jonathan Haggerty Defeats Sam-A Gaiyanghadao at ONE: FOR HONOR

Haggerty pulled the upset and took Sam-A's ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship
Haggerty pulled the upset and took Sam-A's ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship

Almost no one gave young Jonathan Haggerty a chance to defeat Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, but that's what he did at ONE: FOR HONOR.

In one of the most improbable and entertaining martial arts bouts of the year, Haggerty pulled the upset and took Sam-A's ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship.

The match was a back-and-forth affair, but Haggerty made it known early that he would be a problem for Sam-A.

He showed no signs of nerves or inexperience, despite giving up years and a plethora of bouts to the champion.

Haggerty stood his ground early and commanded the center of the ring. His counter elbows, knees, and a consistent jab helped to earn him some early respect.

By the middle of the bout, Haggerty's strength in the clinch and signature lead elbow over the top had weakened Sam-A.

At the close of what turned out to be an instant classic, Haggerty had dethroned the champion and positioned himself as the hunted in the division.

Quick Links