Jonathan Haggerty or Superlek Kiatmoo9? For Lions Nation MMA founder Eduard Folayang, the experience, strength, and precision of one particular fighter would stand out.
Former two-time ONE Lightweight MMA World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang believes that ONE Championship’s return to the United States could further grow Muay Thai.
On Saturday, September 7, ONE will mark its return to the U.S. when it holds ONE 168: Denver inside Ball Arena in Colorado.
Folayang experienced the energy of the Western fans when he watched ONE’s U.S. debut last year. So the Lions Nation MMA founder couldn’t be more excited not only for the promotion but for the rowdy fans who appreciate a good scrap between pure strikers.
“I’m happy to see ONE getting back to U.S. soil. I was there at their first event. It was truly a memorable experience,” Folayang said.
“This will be big because our fans out West will get to see tremendous, action-packed fights, especially in Muay Thai. ONE can gain a wider and more aggressive audience.”
Bannering the show will be the showdown between two-sport striking king Jonathan “The General” Haggerty and flyweight kickboxing titlist Superlek “The Kicking Machine” Kiatmoo9, who will compete for the former’s ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title.
Like many fans and fighters who will tune in to this match, Folayang expects nothing less than fireworks when the two pound-for-pound greats collide in the main event.
The Filipino MMA icon is excited to see the new things that these two fighters will bring to the Circle given that they’ve already faced each other.
“I know it’s a good matchup between two great strikers. Given that this is a rematch, I think they already know what to expect, how to adjust, and each other’s weaknesses and strengths,” he said.
But this time, Folayang believes it will be Haggerty’s match to lose, especially with how good the Englishman has looked since moving up to the bantamweight division.
And while he doesn’t underestimate Superlek, he believes Haggerty’s experience fighting in the weight class will make a difference in this match.
“I saw a different Haggerty the moment he moved up in the bantamweight division. His strength and precision were upgraded,” he said.
“I have Haggerty winning because he already adjusted to that weight division. It’s going to be a decision.”
ONE 168 will air on One Sports+ this Saturday, September 7, starting at 8 a.m.