ONE Championship: from West End to ONE 170, Freddie Haggerty is ready for the spotlight

For Freddie Haggerty, the spotlight has always felt like home. From his childhood days performing in London’s iconic West End to his current journey as a rising star in the combat sports world, the 20-year-old is ready to step into the global arena at ONE 170 when he takes on fellow debutant Jordan Estupiñán.

Haggerty, the younger brother of British Muay Thai icon and two-time ONE Championship world title-holder Jonathan “The General” Haggerty, has carved his own path to the top. Earning a coveted US$100,000 contract after three knockout wins at ONE Lumpinee, Freddie Haggerty’s rise has been fuelled by grit, talent and a natural flair for big performances.

Ahead of his flyweight clash with fellow hotshot Estupiñán at Bangkok’s Impact Arena, Haggerty spoke exclusively to the Post about stepping out from his brother’s shadow, and his determination to light up the big stage.

Haggerty’s roots as a performer have shaped his confidence to perform under pressure. “I used to do plays on the West End as a kid,” he said. “It was fun performing with a group, but fighting has always been my true passion.”

That early exposure to large audiences, he believes, has given him an edge in the fight game. “I’m used to big crowds and big stages. I’m here to perform,” he added.

He acknowledged the broader nature of the fight business. “Fighting is just one aspect of the game,” Haggerty said. “You have to understand the whole pie: the crowd, the media, everything. Jordan’s going to have a big shock walking out on that stage. It’s a lot to handle your first time.”