"I just believe he beats him" - Jonathan Haggerty makes early pick for Rukiya Anpo vs. Marat Grigorian winner at ONE 173 

Reigning ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion Jonathan Haggerty has weighed in on one of the most intriguing kickboxing matchups at ONE 173 inside Tokyo's Ariake Arena on Sunday, Nov. 16.

On the same card where Haggerty challenges defending king Nabil Anane for the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title, veteran Armenian striker Marat Grigorian faces promotional newcomer Rukiya Anpo in a featherweight kickboxing bout that has captured attention due to the heated trash talk between the two fighters.

When the South China Morning Post (SCMP) caught up with the 28-year-old Englishman, 'The General' shared his thoughts on the clash and revealed which fighter he believes will emerge victorious.

"Marat is a beast. I really like his style. I like it the way he is. I believe he beats him for sure. I say for sure — I just believe he beats him," Jonathan Haggerty said.

Watch his full interview with SCMP below:

The Knowlesy Academy and Team Underground martial artist's endorsement of the 34-year-old Grigorian carries weight, given his own experience competing at the elite level.

Grigorian, a three-time Glory kickboxing world champion and former two-time ONE featherweight kickboxing world title challenger, brings years of experience facing the sport's best.

Meanwhile, the 29-year-old Anpo, a former K-1 champion, makes his promotional debut with bold predictions and supreme confidence, but Haggerty believes that experience will trump youth and bravado when these two lock horns on Nov. 16.

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Jonathan Haggerty ready for his own high-stakes challenge at ONE 173

While Jonathan Haggerty offered his prediction for Grigorian-Anpo, his focus remains locked on his own massive challenge against Nabil Anane.

'The General' aims to reclaim two-sport world champion status by capturing the ONE bantamweight Muay Thai world title after previously holding the promotion's bantamweight kickboxing and Muay Thai crowns simultaneously.

A victory would validate his return to Muay Thai and prove he remains one of the most versatile strikers in combat sports, but the 21-year-old Anane has gone unbeaten in his past eight fights under the promotional spotlight and remains a force to be reckoned with even for someone of the Englishman's quality.

Tickets for ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri can be secured here. Fans around the world can visit watch.onefc.com for how-to-watch details in their region.