Liam Harrison in his latest outing against Muangthai PK. Saenchai (ONE Championship)
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fter displaying a lot of grit in one of the greatest comebacks in ONE Championship’s history, Liam “Hitman” Harrison is ready to write another passage in the history books when he faces the reigning ONE bantamweight Muay Thai king, Nong-O Gaiyanghadao.
The world title showdown will coheadline ONE Fight Night 1: Moraes vs. Johnson II on Aug. 27 in Singapore, the first event to air during United States primetime under the promotion’s deal with Prime Video. And if his latest outing is any indication, the striking war against Nong-O will offer nothing but a spectacle.
On April 22, the British star displayed his grit by getting up twice and showing the audience a comeback straight out of a movie and finished Muangthai PK. Saenchai with three knockdowns of his own at ONE 156: Eersel vs. Sadikovic.
He recently took to social media to share what appears to be a fan-made video of him producing the great comeback.
The clip referenced the popular “Call an ambulance, but not for me” meme based on a video posted by Las Vegas Gunfights. He suffered two knockdowns by Muangthai early in the first round only to come back and “call the ambulance” for his opponents.
While the audience was flabbergasted, “Hitman” claimed he had predicted and prepared for the chaotic and eventual outcome of the fight at Singapore Indoor Stadium.
“It’s exactly what I’ve said in the pre-fight interview. What you see is what you get, and I always bring ridiculousness like this. Whether I win or lose, there’s always some sort of drama that goes on,” Harrison said about the historic comeback win.
“I know I’m dangerous when I ‘m wearing them little gloves, and if I have to take a few shots, and if I have to get knocked down so be it.”
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While the English athlete did regret some of the things he did in the high-stakes match, he was ultimately satisfied with the outcome of the battle, earning a US$100,000 performance bonus from ONE CEO and chairman Chatri Sityodtong and being next on the line to challenge Nong-O.
“I shouldn’t have made those mistakes. I shouldn’t have been knocked down [twice],” Harrison explained. “But you know what? I don’t care. It won me the fight of the night, it won me a big bonus, and it’s taught me some lessons.”
With the biggest fight of his career ahead of him, Harrison believes that he’s in for a tough fight as Nong-O has an incredible record in ONE: eight straight wins with three knockouts (KO) to defend his place at the top of the division. But “Hitman” isn’t easily fazed by the prospect as he believes that his punches have the strength behind them to end the reign of the current king of ONE Muay Thai bantamweight division.
“I know what level of skill this man is on. I’m not an idiot, he’s one of the most skillful fighters [of all time]. So, what else am I going to do? I’m not going to change my style now just because I’m coming across one of the best fighters of all time,” Harrison said. “I’m going to fight Liam Harrison-style because that’s what got me to where I am today. I’m not going to start trying to out-technique him or run away. I’m not about that. I’m about heart, grit, hard punches, hard kicks and just coming to entertain and look for the knockout.”
“And listen, if anyone could knock him out, it’s me. Nobody has fought with punches like I do. If I land clean then anyone in 4-ounce gloves will go,” he said.
With his incredible fortitude for mayhem in the ring, and focus on his abilities to bring the heat against the title holder, Harrison is set to fight a barnburner match against the reigning champion. And with this kind of guts and persistence, don’t count out “Hitman” too soon, as he might be the one sending the Thai legend to the canvas.
Tickets for ONE Championship’s August events can be purchased here.
In the meantime, watch ONE 159: De Ridder vs. Bigdash live on NETVERSE, Vidio.com, Kaskus TV or MAXstream beginning with the lead card at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.
The main card broadcasts live on NETVERSE, Vidio.com, Kaskus TV and MAXstream at 7:30 p.m.
Also, NET TV will air a same-day encore at 10:30 p.m.
This article is published in collaboration with ONE Championship.
