Jonathan Haggerty secures a third-round TKO victory at 0:42 after overwhelming Akimoto with punches and a devastating knee.
Jonathan Haggerty puts his ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Title on the line against former champion Hiroki Akimoto in a high-stakes showdown at ONE SAMURAI 4 in Tokyo, Japan. ONE Championship heads to Ariake Arena on Saturday, October 17, 2026, for a championship main event featuring two of the bantamweight kickboxing division’s most accomplished strikers. For Haggerty, the fight presents another opportunity to strengthen his reign. For Akimoto, it is a chance to complete a remarkable comeback and regain the gold that defined an important chapter of his career.
Haggerty opens the contest aggressively, using his speed and striking volume to put Akimoto under pressure. The champion looks to establish control with combinations and prevent the Akimoto from settling into his rhythm.
Akimoto gradually finds his footing as the round progresses, responding with sharp hooks and landing punches that catch Haggerty cleanly. One of Akimoto’s hooks appears to trouble the champion, forcing him to respond with attacks of his own. Haggerty recovers quickly and continues exchanging with Akimoto before the bell, setting up an increasingly competitive contest.
The second round delivers another memorable exchange as Haggerty launches a flying knee that sends Akimoto crashing into the Circle fence.
The champion attempts to capitalise on the moment, but Akimoto refuses to back down. The Japanese challenger answers with a powerful Superman punch that snaps Haggerty’s head back and briefly shifts the momentum in his favour. Akimoto’s response demonstrates why he remains a dangerous challenger, even against a champion with Haggerty’s striking credentials.
With both fighters landing significant strikes, the bout heads into the third round with the contest still alive.
Akimoto comes out aggressively at the start of the third round, looking to build on his momentum from the previous exchange. However, Haggerty quickly turns the tide with a crisp right hand that forces the challenger onto the defensive. Sensing his opportunity, Haggerty unleashes a series of punches before driving a powerful knee through Akimoto’s guard, sending him tumbling to the canvas. Akimoto manages to beat the count, showing resilience, but Haggerty immediately presses forward. The champion follows up with another barrage of punches and a further crushing knee, leaving the Akimoto in serious trouble. With Akimoto unable to mount an effective defence, his corner throws in the towel at 0:42 of the third round, bringing the contest to an end by TKO.
The victory further strengthens Haggerty’s position among ONE Championship’s leading strikers. The Englishman adds another successful defence to his bantamweight kickboxing title reign and continues to establish himself as one of the division’s most dangerous competitors. For Akimoto, the defeat ends his bid to reclaim the championship. Despite showing flashes of success in the opening two rounds, he struggles to withstand the champion’s decisive third-round assault. Haggerty retains his title in Tokyo, while Akimoto faces the task of regrouping after a difficult championship encounter.
