The countdown has begun. On February 20, 2025, reigning ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty will put his title on the line against former K-1 champion Wei Rui at ONE 171 in Qatar. With both fighters known for their elite striking and high-paced fighting styles, this showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
Haggerty’s Reign: A Path of Dominance
Jonathan Haggerty, a British fighter with a Muay Thai background, has built a name for himself through his precise striking, devastating elbows, and aggressive forward pressure. His rise to the top began when he defeated Muay Thai legend Sam-A Gaiyanghadao in 2019, claiming the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
In April 2023, he shocked the world by knocking out Nong-O Gaiyanghadao in the first round to become the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion. Later that year, he further cemented his legacy by capturing the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title with a dominant victory over Fabrício Andrade.
However, Haggerty’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In September 2024, he lost his Muay Thai title to Superlek Kiatmuu9 in a brutal first-round knockout. Now, with his focus entirely on kickboxing, he is determined to continue his reign and silence the doubters.
Wei Rui: A Dangerous Challenger on the Rise
Standing across from Haggerty on fight night will be Wei Rui, a Chinese striker who has made waves in the world of kickboxing. A former K-1 Lightweight Champion, Wei Rui is one of the most accomplished kickboxers to enter ONE Championship.
With an impressive record and a reputation for precise, high-volume striking, he is making his ONE debut with one goal in mind: dethrone Haggerty and claim the bantamweight crown.
Wei Rui’s style is built on fast footwork, sharp combinations, and relentless pressure, which makes him an incredibly difficult opponent. His ability to control the pace of a fight and overwhelm opponents with constant offense has made him a dominant force in kickboxing circuits worldwide.
What’s at Stake?
This fight is more than just a title defense for Haggerty—it’s about proving that he is still the best striker in the division. His loss to Superlek raised questions about his ability to deal with powerful, technical strikers, and Wei Rui presents a similar challenge.
For Wei Rui, this is his opportunity to make an immediate impact in ONE Championship. If he can dethrone Haggerty, he will instantly establish himself as one of the top pound-for-pound kickboxers in the world.
Fight Details :
📅 Date: February 20, 2025
📍 Venue: Lusail Sports Arena, Qatar
🏆 Event: ONE 171
With just two days to go, the anticipation is at an all-time high. Will Jonathan Haggerty continue his dominance, or will Wei Rui announce himself to the world with a career-defining victory?
Stay tuned for full fight coverage, analysis, and post-fight breakdowns!
Photo credit : https://beyondkick.com/news/jonathan-haggerty-defends-his-one-bantamweight-kickboxing-title-against-wei-rui-on-february-20/