Jonathan Haggerty locked in for ONE World Title defense against former king Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4

Only one man has ever beaten Jonathan Haggerty to the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title. On October 17, that man gets a rematch for it.

Haggerty defends his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title against former champion Hiroki Akimoto at ONE SAMURAI 4 on Saturday, October 17. The two world-class strikers collide live from Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.

Haggerty carries a career record of 24-5 and sits at 10-3 inside the promotion. He remains undefeated in kickboxing competition under the ONE banner.

The Londoner already held Flyweight and Bantamweight Muay Thai gold before adding this third belt in November 2023. He became a two-sport champion by flatlining Fabricio Andrade in the second round at ONE Fight Night 16.

Since then, the title has become entirely his own. Haggerty turned back Wei Rui for his first defense in 2025, then outclassed Yuki Yoza at the inaugural ONE SAMURAI 1 to retain the belt for a second time.

Jonathan Haggerty meets the man who once held his throne

Jonathan Haggerty now meets the most dangerous and resurgent challenger the bantamweight kickboxing division has produced in years. Akimoto once sat on the very throne Haggerty occupies today.

The 33-year-old Tokyo-based striker carries a 29-4 record and nine promotional victories into this comeback opportunity. He won five of his first six bouts before claiming the title at ONE X in 2022.

Akimoto lost the belt soon after and endured a difficult stretch, but 2025 changed the trajectory of his career. Victories over former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John Lineker and Wei Rui underlined his rebuilt momentum.

A split-decision win over compatriot Taimu Hisai earlier this year confirmed him as the rightful next challenger for the title he once held. With Haggerty’s unbeaten run on the line, ONE SAMURAI 4 has all the makings of a striking classic.