Brazilian superstar Allycia Hellen Rodrigues is prepared to put on another spectacular show when she defends her ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title for the fourth occasion – this time in the main event of ONE Fight Night 33 on Prime Video.
The 27-year-old mom-champ will face WBC Muay Thai World Champion Johanna Persson on July 11 in U.S. primetime, providing another opportunity to cement herself as one of the sport’s most dominant titleholders.
Rodrigues has been nothing short of sensational at 115 pounds since capturing the divisional crown from Stamp Fairtex back in 2020, and she isn’t about to let anyone take what she’s worked so hard to achieve.
The Phuket Fight Club representative recently spoke to onefc.com about the pressure that comes with being a World Champion in the world’s largest martial arts organization and her unwavering determination to remain on top:
“Every title defense is very important to me. There’s no such thing as an easier or harder fight. I always feel the same pressure in all of them. I always give everything in every training camp.
“I feel like I always have to do more because I know how hungry my opponents are to take my belt. The most important thing is always on the line – my belt. And no one is taking it from me.”
The Fortaleza native has carefully studied her Swedish challenger and believes she’s identified key areas where she can capitalize.
Persson will bring her own World Championship pedigree to this clash, but Rodrigues is confident in her own ability to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. That sharp analytical approach is just a small glimpse into the ongoing evolution of her fight IQ.
Rodrigues said:
“I believe her clinch game is a strong point, and I noticed she also throws elbows and likes to apply pressure during the fight.
“I saw in some videos that her guard is quite open, and she also opens up a bit when throwing punches. I’ll definitely use my boxing and kicks to capitalize on that.”
True to her finishing ambitions, the Brazilian isn’t planning to leave this World Title defense in the hands of the judges.
She scored her first knockout in ONE during her last outing – a brutal display of striking prowess against respected veteran Marie McManamon. That dazzling performance could signal that another explosive finish is on the horizon.
For her part, Rodrigues radiated confidence when she discussed her intentions for July 11:
“I’m going in to get the knockout. But a fight is a fight, so you never know. Still, I’ve been training for this. I want to put on a show for the audience, and I know both of us will do just that.”
Rodrigues Says Extra Prep Time Could Pay Dividends
What makes this World Title defense even more intriguing is the unique circumstances that led to it.
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues was originally scheduled to defend her belt against Israeli standout Shir Cohen, but when the fight was canceled due to Cohen’s injury, the World Champion was forced to endure consecutive training camps before getting a chance to reward those efforts in the ring.
Rather than viewing this as a setback, Rodrigues sees it as an advantage that has her more prepared than ever.
The additional time has only sharpened her focus and enhanced her physical conditioning. For a fighter who already brings incredible intensity to every training session, the extended period has elevated her readiness to new heights:
“It didn’t affect me at all. In fact, I’m going in even more prepared. Two back-to-back training camps – my body is firing on all cylinders. My mindset and focus are always the same. It’s my reign on the line, so I will always give my all.”
A consummate professional in all aspects of the fight game, Rodrigues has perfected the mental side during her impressive World Title reign, and she’s already picturing the moment when her next victory will be achieved at Lumpinee Stadium.
Her confidence, she said, is backed by the extensive preparation she’s put in during these training camps:
“I really like to visualize my arm being raised. We need to believe in ourselves. I work hard in every training camp, and this is the first time I’ve done two back-to-back camps with no rest.
“I’m confident. I’ve been through many battles against top athletes. I started by facing the best. I’m going in to get another knockout.”
