Allycia Hellen Rodrigues Vs Johanna Persson, ONE Fight Night 33: 4 Keys To Victory In Muay Thai World Title Fight

ONE Fight Night 33: Rodrigues vs. Persson on Prime Video will be headlined by a high-stakes World Title clash between two of the atomweight Muay Thai division’s most talented strikers.

This Friday, July 11, in U.S. primetime, reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues will defend her belt for the fourth time against newly crowned WBC Muay Thai World Champion Johanna Persson in a pivotal battle at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rodrigues, the longest-reigning female titleholder in ONE Championship’s striking divisions, is a month shy of celebrating her fifth anniversary as queen. But Persson wants to have a debut to remember, capture the richest prize in the sport, and flip the women’s atomweight Muay Thai division on its head.

With that in mind, here are the biggest keys to victory for each athlete at ONE Fight Night 33.

#1 Rodrigues’ Round Kicks

The World Champion’s beautiful round kicks will be her most effective weapon against a challenger who wants to close the distance and create chaos.

From range, Rodrigues can dominate with her technical and accurate kicking game. She whips a very fast right kick that can sneak under her rival’s arm. Even if Persson tries to block, the Brazilian can land a clean strike. Her left kicks are equally dangerous, especially as counters when opponents chase her forward.

Against the aggressive Persson, Rodrigues should use her kicks as both offensive weapons and defensive tools. When the Swede comes forward with her trademark pressure, the defending queen can step back and counter with devastating body kicks that will slow her opponent’s advancements and rack up damage.

#2 Persson’s Pressure

The challenger’s key to overwhelming Rodrigues and forcing her into uncomfortable positions will be her relentless forward pressure.

Persson is very aggressive with her strikes, and it’s rare to see her not come forward. She wants to get in Rodrigues’ face and create the kind of chaotic firefight that has led to seven consecutive victories. Her imposing physical presence and incredible conditioning make her a nightmare to deal with when she goes on the front foot.

Against someone who likes to start slowly and build up intensity, Persson should apply constant pressure from the opening bell. By keeping Rodrigues on the back foot and against the ropes, the Swedish challenger can try to stop the World Champion from having the space to work and control the pace of the fight.

#3 Rodrigues’ Elbows In Close Quarters

While Persson is most dangerous with her elbows, the Brazilian mom-champ has the tools to beat her challenger at her own game in the pocket.

Rodrigues can smoothly combine her elbows into punching combinations, meaning she can hurt her rival from boxing range before transitioning into close quarters to land her most powerful strikes. The threat of elbows forces opponents to shell up, which leaves their bodies exposed – and Rodrigues takes full advantage by attacking with her liver punch.

Even when she stepped up to strawweight against a bigger and stronger opponent two years ago, Rodrigues waded into the pocket and found gaps to land slashing and concussive elbow strikes. Against Persson, her ability to mix elbows with her boxing will give her multiple paths to victory in close-range exchanges.

#4 Persson’s Clinch Work

The challenger’s strength in the clinch could be the difference-maker against someone who also excels in close quarters.

Persson is very strong in the clinch and has shown she can ragdoll opponents when the fight gets to the inside. In her WBC World Title victory, she moved her opponent around the ring and dominated the clinch exchanges, particularly in the final round when the pressure was at its highest.

Against Rodrigues, who loves to clinch and is stronger than most atomweight competitors, Persson will need to use her size and physicality to gain the upper hand. If she can neutralize the World Champion’s clinch game and impose her own will in tight quarters, the Swedish challenger can create the kind of grinding, attrition-testing fight that plays to her strengths.

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