The United Kingdom (UK) continues to be a powerhouse in the global combat sports scene, with numerous athletes making waves in ONE Championship, the world’s largest martial arts organization. While the recent retirement of British Muay Thai icon Liam “Hitman” Harrison marked the end of an era. The UK remains well-represented by a new generation of fighters who are rising to prominence.
Here, we spotlight eight standout UK fighters who are taking the world stage by storm.
1. Jonathan Haggerty
English superstar Jonathan “The General” Haggerty stands as the most successful British athlete in ONE Championship’s history. The current ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion and former two-division Muay Thai king burst onto the scene in 2019 with an unforgettable debut against Joseph Lasiri. He followed this up by defeating the legendary Sam-A Gaiyanghadao to claim the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title.
Though Haggerty later lost the title to Rodtang Jitmuangnon, his decision to move up to bantamweight proved to be a career-defining moment. In April 2023, he shocked the world by knocking out Nong-O Hama in the first round to win the ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title. Shortly afterward, Haggerty made history once again, defeating Fabricio Andrade to become the ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion, cementing his place among the sport’s pound-for-pound greats.
2. Nico Carrillo
Scottish knockout artist Nico “King of the North” Carrillo has quickly climbed the bantamweight Muay Thai ranks, earning a 4-0 record in ONE Championship, with every victory coming by knockout. His devastating finishes over elite opponents, including Nong-O and Saemapetch Fairtex, have solidified his place as a top contender. Carrillo believes he’s on the cusp of a world title shot, ready to prove he’s the best in the division.
3. Jacob Smith
Jacob Smith is preparing for the biggest fight of his career—a rematch with Rodtang Jitmuangnon for the ONE Flyweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE 169: Malykhin vs. Reug Reug. Smith previously went the distance with Rodtang in 2022 and has since earned a shot at redemption. With a recent knockout victory over Walter Goncalves, Smith is determined to shock the world in their highly anticipated rematch.
4. Liam Nolan
Veteran English striker Liam “Lethal” Nolan has been a staple in ONE Championship’s lightweight division since 2019. Known for his tactical striking and resilience, Nolan has racked-up notable wins, including victories over Eddie Abasolo and Ali Aliev. Despite some setbacks, the 27-year-old is constantly evolving and remains a formidable presence in the lightweight ranks.
5. Ellis Badr Barboza
Birmingham native Ellis “El Jefe” Barboza has impressed during his ONE tenure despite some ups and downs. After having a win overturned to a no contest, Barboza bounced back with a strong-decision victory over Aliff Sor Dechapan. At 24, Barboza is aiming to crack the strawweight Muay Thai rankings and solidify his position as one of the division’s rising stars.
6. Jake Peacock
Though now residing in Canada, Jake “The One” Peacock proudly represents his UK roots. Born in England, Peacock made a name for himself by winning the Road to ONE: Canada tournament and has since gone undefeated in ONE Championship. Despite being limb-different—Peacock has no right forearm—he has proven that determination and skill can overcome any obstacle. Peacock is set to take another big step in his career when he faces Shinji Suzuki at ONE 169.
7. Amy Pirnie
Scottish striker Amy Pirnie made an explosive entrance into ONE Championship’s atomweight Muay Thai division, knocking out Yu Yau Pui in her debut. Though she recently faced a tough decision loss to Shir Cohen, Pirnie’s extensive experience and striking pedigree make her a contender to watch in the coming months.
8. Freddie Haggerty
The younger brother of Jonathan Haggerty, Freddie Haggerty is already carving out his own path in ONE Championship. With two knockout victories in the strawweight Muay Thai division, the 20-year-old phenom is quickly gaining recognition as one of the division’s most exciting prospects.
A New Wave of British Talent
Beyond these established stars, ONE Championship’s Friday Fights at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok has become a proving ground for the next generation of British fighters. Young talents like George Jarvis, Craig Hutchison, Gregor Thom, and Iony Lawrence have delivered impressive performances, continuing to bolster the UK’s reputation as a hotbed for martial arts talent.
With an ever-growing pool of elite competitors, the United Kingdom remains a force to be reckoned with in ONE Championship and the global combat sports scene.
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