Rivalries like Andrade vs. Haggerty are what make combat sports special. It’s not just about titles—it’s about pride, legacy, and the indomitable will to be the best
Fabricio Andrade may have taken a loss, but he’s far from defeated. In fact, he’s never looked more dangerous.
And if ONE Championship gives the green light, fans around the world could be treated to one of the most electrifying rematches in recent memory.
Greatness doesn’t come easy. It demands sacrifice, discipline, and an unbreakable will. Fabricio Andrade understands that. He lives it.
Whether he’s in camp, out of camp, days away from a title defense, or months away from the next call, he’s putting in the work.
And that’s what makes him dangerous. That’s what makes him a champion. And that’s what will likely keep him at the top for a long, long time.
Also Read: Fabricio Andrade Proves His Dominance with a Brutal KO in Singapore Showdown
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Fabricio Andrade Open to High-Stakes Rematch with Jonathan Haggerty
In the high-octane world of ONE Championship, rivalries can define legacies.1
One such rivalry is brewing into something special between reigning ONE bantamweight MMA world champion Fabricio “Wonder Boy” Andrade and former Muay Thai titleholder Jonathan Haggerty.
Following a dramatic loss to Haggerty in late 2023, Andrade has made it clear—he wants to run it back.
Despite regaining his momentum, Andrade knows that there’s one blemish on his otherwise spotless ONE Championship record—and that’s Jonathan Haggerty.
The British striker, known for his speed, power, and Muay Thai prowess, is the only man to have defeated Andrade under the ONE banner. That fact alone makes the prospect of a rematch enticing—not just for Andrade, but for fans and promoters alike.
“Yes. Yes. Of course. Of course, you know. I think it’ll be very, very fun for the fans,” Andrade said when asked about a possible rematch. His enthusiasm was evident.
A Clash of Champions: The Fight That Sparked the Fire
The tension between Andrade and Haggerty came to a boiling point at ONE Fight Night 16, when both men stepped into the Circle to vie for the vacant ONE bantamweight kickboxing world title.
The bout was more than a title match; it was a battle between two elite champions from different striking arts.
Andrade, known for his explosive MMA style and crisp striking, was stepping out of his comfort zone, entering the realm of pure kickboxing.
Haggerty, the Muay Thai maestro, held a clear edge in experience under kickboxing rules. What followed was a thrilling contest that ended in a second-round knockout win for Haggerty—marking Andrade’s first loss in ONE Championship.
Fabricio Andrade’s Injury-Plagued Performance
What fans didn’t know at the time was that Andrade was far from 100% when he took on Haggerty.2
In a revealing interview with Inside Fighting, the Brazilian admitted that he entered the fight with multiple injuries that significantly hampered his power and movement.
“I was not myself in that fight,” Andrade shared. “I couldn’t move the way I normally do, and I couldn’t generate the same power. But I didn’t want to back out. That’s just not who I am.”
Despite the loss, Andrade’s decision to compete while injured speaks volumes about his warrior spirit. Still, the defeat lingered—not just on his record, but in his mind. The result was unfinished business in every sense of the word.
The Long Road to Recovery
Following the knockout loss, Andrade took an extended break from competition. Much of 2024 was spent healing and rehabilitating from the injuries he carried into the Haggerty fight.
“Physically, I needed the time. Mentally, too. Coming back from something like that takes everything out of you,” Andrade explained.
Andrade’s return wasn’t rushed. He took the time to let his body recover fully, and it paid off handsomely when he made his comeback in early 2025.
The Return of Wonder Boy: A Statement Win at ONE 170
January 2025 marked the triumphant return of Fabricio Andrade at ONE 170, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Facing off against the dangerous South Korean striker Kwon Won Il, Andrade needed less than a minute to make a statement.
A devastating body shot ended the bout in under 60 seconds, reaffirming Andrade’s dominance in the bantamweight MMA division and silencing any doubts about his comeback.
“That fight was about showing the world that I’m still at the top,” Andrade said after the fight. “I feel better than ever.”
What’s at Stake in a Potential Rematch?
A rematch between Andrade and Haggerty isn’t just about revenge. It represents a chance to unify legacies across disciplines—MMA, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
It also holds massive commercial potential for ONE Championship, which has increasingly leaned into “champion vs. champion” matchups.
For Andrade, it’s a chance to prove that his loss was a fluke, the result of circumstance rather than skill. For Haggerty, it’s an opportunity to solidify his dominance over one of the most dynamic strikers in the world.
Fabricio Andrade’s Championship Ambitions Remain Strong
While a rematch with Haggerty would be a major draw, Andrade remains focused on defending his MMA crown.3
He’s still the man to beat at bantamweight in mixed martial arts, and he’s not looking past any potential challengers.
“I’m ready for whoever they put in front of me,” Andrade stated. “But if it’s Haggerty again—I’m more than ready for that too.”
His focus, discipline, and confidence are exactly what you’d expect from a champion who’s been tested and come back stronger.
Will ONE Championship Make the Call?
As of now, ONE Championship hasn’t officially announced plans for a rematch between Andrade and Haggerty.
But given the fan interest and the compelling narrative, it’s likely only a matter of time before the rematch becomes reality.
For Andrade, the ball is in ONE’s court—but his gloves are already laced up.
“Just tell me when and where,” he said. “I’m ready.”
Cross-Discipline Superfights: A New Era for ONE Championship
ONE Championship has been blazing a trail by featuring athletes who compete across various combat sports.
Fighters like Andrade and Haggerty are emblematic of this new era—versatile, fearless, and always looking for the next challenge.
Their potential rematch could take place under any number of rule sets: kickboxing, MMA, or even a hybrid bout. Whatever the format, fans can expect fireworks.
Fans Are Eager for the Sequel
Following Andrade’s explosive return at ONE 170, fans have been vocal on social media, calling for the rematch with Haggerty. Many believe that a healthy Andrade could flip the script in a second encounter.
“The first fight didn’t tell the full story,” one fan wrote. “Run it back and let’s see what happens when both guys are at their best.”
ONE Championship would be wise to listen. With both fighters in top form and storylines practically writing themselves, the stage is perfectly set for a blockbuster sequel.
Also Read: Fabricio Andrade Teams Up with Sexyama for Ultimate Strength and Conditioning
Fabricio Andrade’s The Relentless Work Ethic
Fabricio Andrade is more than just a champion — he’s a relentless force who embodies the true spirit of martial arts.
The reigning ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion is quickly building a reputation not only for his performances inside the Circle but for his unmatched dedication to the grind outside of it.
Whether there’s a fight on the horizon or not, Andrade keeps his foot on the gas, showing a level of discipline that sets him apart in the world of professional fighting.
A Champion’s Lifestyle, Not Just a Training Camp
Most fighters ramp up their intensity when fight camp begins. For Andrade, however, there is no off-season.
In a recent appearance on the Nomundao Podcast, the Brazilian standout gave fans an inside look into his mindset and daily routine.
“It depends a lot on whether I have a fight scheduled or not and how much time I have to prepare. So it depends a lot on where I am. If I’m out of camp, if I’m in camp, if it’s close to the fight, then I train a lot, depending on how much time I’ll have before the fight.”
Even in moments when there’s no immediate bout scheduled, Andrade maintains a grueling training regimen. It’s not just about preparing for war — it’s about living the life of a warrior 24/7.
Fabricio Andrade: Discipline Over Motivation
When asked how he manages to stay so consistent, Andrade often speaks about discipline.
He doesn’t wait to feel motivated — he does the work regardless of mood, weather, or external circumstances. It’s about commitment, not convenience.
This mindset has separated him from countless other prospects who had talent but lacked the consistency needed to rise to the top.
Andrade is a living example of how far you can go when you embrace discomfort and treat every day like a step toward greatness.
The Role of Routine and Structure
Much of Andrade’s success comes from the structure he’s built into his life. His days are planned with precision.
He knows when to train, when to eat, when to rest, and when to push harder. That routine gives him a foundation that holds firm even during life’s unpredictable moments.
This disciplined structure is also a form of mental training. It minimizes distractions, reduces stress, and keeps him locked in on his long-term goals.
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The Calm Before the Storm: When Camp Begins
When a fight is officially booked, Andrade doesn’t need to start from scratch. Instead, he shifts into another gear.
His already-high workload becomes more specialized — game-planning for a specific opponent, bringing in the right sparring partners, and drilling strategies tailored to the matchup.
He’s already fit, already sharp, already focused. The camp becomes about peaking at the right time, not catching up.
That’s a huge competitive advantage, especially in a sport where fighters often have only a few weeks to prepare.
Not Just a Champion, But a Student of the Game
- What makes Andrade particularly dangerous is that he never stops learning. He doesn’t believe in perfection — only progression.
- Even with a world title wrapped around his waist, he still watches tape, asks questions, and looks for ways to evolve.
- That student mindset keeps him hungry and ensures he never gets complacent. In a sport that’s always changing, Andrade stays ahead by constantly adapting and refusing to settle.
- At only 26 years old, Fabricio Andrade’s best years are still ahead of him. But even now, his work ethic and mindset are shaping a legacy.
- He’s redefining what it means to be a champion in ONE Championship — not just through victories, but through the dedication he displays every single day.
- If there’s a blueprint for long-term success in MMA, Andrade is following it to the letter: train hard, stay humble, learn constantly, and never, ever slack off.
Also Read: Fabrício de Andrade: Wonder Boy Bio/Wiki, Career, Pro Debut And More Explained
