Last Thursday, February 20, at the Lusail Sports Arena, ONE Championship delivered yet another thrilling night of martial arts action with two standout performances featured at ONE 171: Qatar. British star Jonathan "The General" Haggerty successfully defended his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title, showcasing skill and strategic planning against the formidable Chinese fighter Wei Rui. Meanwhile, Croatian fighter Roberto "Robocop" Soldic achieved his first victory within the organization with a stunning knockout of Dagi Arslanaliev, firmly placing himself in the title conversation.
Haggerty, after suffering a shocking first-round knockout against Superlek Kiatmoo9, came prepared and determined not to repeat past mistakes. His strategy against Wei was not to rush from the start. "I just didn’t wanna get knocked out in 49 seconds again. I learn from my mistakes," he remarked post-fight. Haggerty displayed remarkable fight IQ and tactical nous throughout the bout, switching strategies after feeling the early pressure from Wei.
Known for his aggressive approach, Haggerty started tentatively but adjusted quickly. "The first round was rocky. I need a bit of punches to the face to get myself going," he reflected after the match. His coach, Christian Knowles, played a pivotal role in crafting the game plan to counter Wei Rui’s left-handed fighting style. Haggerty acknowledged the significance of preparing to face southpaw fighters: "When we were training, it was quite difficult. We were training for a southpaw, and we had to put all the game plans together," he explained.
Haggerty’s performance was noteworthy not only for its execution but also for how he outlasted Wei, securing the victory via unanimous decision after five rounds. This defense of his title marked Haggerty's first successful title defense and showcased his dynamic combination of speed, footwork, and precision strikes as he adapted through the fight.
Looking ahead, Haggerty remains open to any challengers, ready to defend his title against anyone ONE Championship decides to place before him. He expressed confidence: "Whatever ONE Championship or Chatri wants to give me, then obviously I’m here to take it. I don’t shy away from any fight. Whatever gives the fans entertainment, I’m here to put it on.” After the fight, he also allowed himself some well-deserved downtime, planning to relax and celebrate his win.
On the other hand, Roberto Soldic made waves with his dominant display against Arslanaliev, delivering what many are already calling a contender for Knockout of the Year. With just under two minutes on the clock, Soldic employed his power effectively, landing a thunderous left hook, leading to the swift end of the fight. This much-needed win came after setbacks following Soldic’s highly publicized arrival at ONE as the sport’s notable free agent.
Emphasizing his confidence after the bout, Soldic said, "It feels good. I feel amazing. This is my job, and I’m not surprised because I know what I can do." His victory is significant not only for his record but also for reinstilling faith after past disappointments, including two previous fights which did not go his way. Soldic reflected on the impact of being active again after injuries sidelined him, remarking, "Twenty months is enough time. I missed [competing] now."
With this knockout, Soldic not only earned respect but also raised the stakes for his future within the ONE organization. He firmly stated, "The future is mine. And when I step in the cage, I will be a big problem for anyone. I hope I fight for the title.” His confidence was palpable as he looked forward to the potential opportunities this victory would provide.
A hint of controversy followed Soldic’s victory as discussions erupted over his follow-up strike after knocking down Arslanaliev, which some deemed unnecessary. "Some of his teammates, they asked me why I hit him on the ground. But it was still in the fight," Soldic defended himself.
Both Haggerty and Soldic not only represented their divisions on this high-profile card but also left the audience eagerly anticipating their next moves. With champions willing to engage and express their battles openly, the future of ONE Championship appears incredibly bright as they set their eyes on new challenges.