Jonathan Haggerty has made a significant mark in Muay Thai as one of the most explosive and dynamic fighters in the sport. Known for his precise striking, fluid combinations, and aggressive yet calculated approach, Haggerty’s style exemplifies both technical skill and relentless pressure.
If you’re looking to incorporate elements of his fighting style into your own arsenal, understanding his background and analyzing his techniques can provide invaluable insights.
Jonathan Haggerty Background
Jonathan Haggerty has established himself as one of the most dominant strikers in the world of Muay Thai. Born in the United Kingdom, Haggerty rose to prominence through his explosive fighting style, technical precision, and ability to dismantle elite opponents. As a former ONE Championship Flyweight Muay Thai World Champion and currently the reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, he has showcased his skill set against some of the best fighters in the sport, including Rodtang Jitmuangnon and Sam-A Gaiyanghadao.
Haggerty’s rapid ascent in the Muay Thai scene is credited to his ability to blend traditional Muay Thai fundamentals with modern adaptations, utilizing his long reach, powerful striking, and impeccable fight IQ. His signature weapons include a stiff and accurate jab, devastating teeps, and elbow strikes that leave his opponents struggling to mount an offense. His strategic approach to fights, coupled with his relentless pace, makes him a formidable opponent inside the ring.
Jonathan Haggerty Fighting Style Analysis
1. Devastating Teeps to Off-Balance Opponents
One of Haggerty’s most effective techniques is his teep (push kick). He frequently uses it to break his opponent’s rhythm, off-balance aggressive fighters, and dictate the pace of the fight. His teep is particularly lethal when aimed at the midsection, sapping his opponent’s energy and preventing them from advancing effectively.
What sets Haggerty apart is his ability to disguise his teeps. He feints low and high, keeping his opponents guessing. Sometimes, he will throw a fake teep before following up with a strike or an elbow, catching his opponent off guard.
How to Apply It: Develop a strong push kick by working on balance and hip engagement. Use teeps not just as a defensive tool but also as a means to create openings for follow-up strikes. Practice mixing up teep angles to keep your opponent guessing.
2. Sharp Elbows in Close Range Exchanges
Haggerty excels in close-range combat, utilizing razor-sharp elbows that can cut and damage opponents. His ability to launch elbows from different angles makes him unpredictable and dangerous in the clinch or when countering.
Unlike many fighters who only throw elbows in the clinch, Haggerty seamlessly incorporates them into his striking combinations. He will use his jab or teep to set up an elbow, making it difficult for his opponents to anticipate when the strike is coming.
How to Apply It: Work on elbow techniques from multiple positions, including step-in elbows, spinning elbows, and elbow counters. Focus on accuracy and timing to maximize damage while maintaining a defensive structure. Practice combining elbows with punches to create fluid combinations.
3. Fast and Precise Jab to Control the Fight
Unlike many traditional Muay Thai fighters who rely more on kicks and clinch work, Haggerty uses his jab extensively. His stiff and accurate jab disrupts his opponent’s rhythm, sets up his powerful right hand, and forces them to react to his pace.
His jab is not just a setup tool, he uses it as a weapon on its own. He will double or triple up his jab to force his opponent backward, creating openings for his more powerful strikes.
How to Apply It: Sharpen your jab by focusing on speed and precision. Use it to set up your strikes and disrupt your opponent’s timing. Experiment with variations such as feinting jabs or doubling them up to control the fight tempo.
4. High Fight IQ and Strategic Adaptation
One of the most impressive aspects of Haggerty’s style is his adaptability. He reads his opponents well and adjusts his strategy mid-fight, whether that means increasing pressure, using more lateral movement, or countering aggressively.
Haggerty is known for recognizing his opponent’s weaknesses early in a fight and exploiting them repeatedly. Whether it’s targeting an opponent’s lead leg with kicks or disrupting their guard with repeated jabs and teeps, he makes calculated adjustments that turn the tide in his favor.
How to Apply It: Train your ability to read an opponent’s movements and weaknesses. Spar with different styles and develop multiple strategies to handle various fighting approaches. Work on identifying patterns in your opponent’s behavior and use strategic feints to expose their vulnerabilities
If you're looking to develop your Muay Thai skills and apply these techniques firsthand, join a class at Ubud Muay Thai and train in a dedicated environment that will help you refine your techniques and grow as a martial artist!