Allycia Hellen Rodrigues commenced the fifth year of her distinguished tenure as the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion with a compelling showcase of skill, extending her formidable reign through a decisive victory over Johanna Persson.
This highly anticipated main event transpired at ONE Fight Night 33, held before an enthusiastic, capacity crowd in Bangkok`s iconic Lumpinee Stadium. The Brazilian champion made her return to action merely four months after securing a highlight-reel knockout against London`s Marie McManamon.
Johanna Persson, the challenger, entered the high-stakes bout with impressive credentials, riding a seven-fight winning streak culminating in a WBC Muay Thai world title. She brought with her considerable momentum and an unwavering belief in her ability to dethrone the long-standing champion.
However, as numerous previous contenders had discovered, the Swedish challenger soon faced the reality of Rodrigues` sustained and profound dominance within the atomweight Muay Thai division.
From the outset, Rodrigues expertly controlled the distance, methodically engaging Persson with precise jabs, powerful straight kicks, and intermittent roundhouse kicks. Persson, maintaining a calm demeanor, actively sought to bridge the gap, effectively mixing her jab-cross combinations with strong kicks directed at the legs and body. She also initiated several attempts at knee strikes and clinches in close quarters.
The intensity of the contest escalated significantly in the second round. The 30-year-old Swedish challenger amplified her offensive output, unleashing forceful knees to the body and targeting Rodrigues` head with sharp elbows. Ultimately, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues once again demonstrated her championship caliber, securing a resounding victory and successfully defending her ONE Women`s Atomweight Muay Thai World Title, solidifying her position at the pinnacle of the division.