Former Bantamweight Champion Hiroki Akimoto Expresses Disappointment as Jonathan Haggerty Considers Switching to MMA

Former bantamweight champion Hiroki Akimoto expresses disappointment as Jonathan Haggerty considers switching to MMA. Akimoto, the No. 1 contender, shares his confusion and hopes for a title shot in the bantamweight kickboxing division.

Hiroki Akimoto, the former bantamweight champion in ONE Championship’s kickboxing division, is facing further disappointment as his long-awaited fight against reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty is unlikely to happen. Despite being the No. 1 contender, Akimoto’s hopes were dashed when Haggerty decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) instead. Akimoto had an impressive winning streak of five fights before losing the bantamweight kickboxing belt to Petchtanong Petchfergus in a close split decision. However, Petchtanong’s subsequent failed drug test led to his suspension and the stripping of his title. Haggerty went on to claim the vacant belt, but his decision to switch to MMA has left Akimoto puzzled. "I don’t know why he wants to fight in MMA. He’s a great Muay Thai fighter but not an MMA fighter," Akimoto expressed his confusion in an interview with SCMP. Akimoto was among the spectators at ONE Fight Night 19, where Haggerty defended his Muay Thai title against Felipe Lobo. Despite being knocked down in the first round, Haggerty rallied back to secure a victory in the third round, much to the delight of the passionate Lumpinee Stadium crowd. Reflecting on the fight, Akimoto commented, "I think it was a very exciting fight and it was a great match for the fans as well." While Haggerty’s decision to switch to MMA may be disappointing for Akimoto, it is not the first setback he has faced. Losing to Petchtanong in a split decision was unfortunate, and now, with Haggerty’s focus shifting, Akimoto’s chances of a title shot are uncertain. As the current No. 1 ranked contender in the bantamweight kickboxing division, Akimoto is hopeful that he will eventually get the opportunity to face the double champion. Despite Haggerty’s success in MMA, Akimoto remains confident in his own abilities as a kickboxer. "He’s a kickboxing champion now, but he hasn’t fought any kickboxers. I still believe I’m the best kickboxer," Akimoto asserted. As Akimoto continues to wait for his shot at the title, he hopes that Haggerty’s decision to switch to MMA will not further delay his own journey towards becoming a champion.

Hiroki Akimoto, the former bantamweight champion in ONE Championship’s kickboxing division, is facing further disappointment as his long-awaited fight against reigning champion Jonathan Haggerty is unlikely to happen. Despite being the No. 1 contender, Akimoto’s hopes were dashed when Haggerty decided to pursue a career in mixed martial arts (MMA) instead.

Akimoto had an impressive winning streak of five fights before losing the bantamweight kickboxing belt to Petchtanong Petchfergus in a close split decision. However, Petchtanong’s subsequent failed drug test led to his suspension and the stripping of his title. Haggerty went on to claim the vacant belt, but his decision to switch to MMA has left Akimoto puzzled.

"I don’t know why he wants to fight in MMA. He’s a great Muay Thai fighter but not an MMA fighter," Akimoto expressed his confusion in an interview with SCMP.

Akimoto was among the spectators at ONE Fight Night 19, where Haggerty defended his Muay Thai title against Felipe Lobo. Despite being knocked down in the first round, Haggerty rallied back to secure a victory in the third round, much to the delight of the passionate Lumpinee Stadium crowd.

Reflecting on the fight, Akimoto commented, "I think it was a very exciting fight and it was a great match for the fans as well."

While Haggerty’s decision to switch to MMA may be disappointing for Akimoto, it is not the first setback he has faced. Losing to Petchtanong in a split decision was unfortunate, and now, with Haggerty’s focus shifting, Akimoto’s chances of a title shot are uncertain. As the current No. 1 ranked contender in the bantamweight kickboxing division, Akimoto is hopeful that he will eventually get the opportunity to face the double champion.

Despite Haggerty’s success in MMA, Akimoto remains confident in his own abilities as a kickboxer. "He’s a kickboxing champion now, but he hasn’t fought any kickboxers. I still believe I’m the best kickboxer," Akimoto asserted.

As Akimoto continues to wait for his shot at the title, he hopes that Haggerty’s decision to switch to MMA will not further delay his own journey towards becoming a champion.