ONE Championship’s series of Bangkok events continues this Friday. The latest Thailand based fighter to be added to the roster is Allycia Rodrigues.
She faces a baptism of fire on Friday. The Brazilian has been matched with Stamp Fairtex in an atomweight Muay Thai Title fight that will headline ONE: ‘A New Breed’.
Rodrigues, who has been living and training in Thailand for several years, says she is ready for the challenge,
“I am very confident for this fight. It will be a tough fight against a very experienced opponent, but I will go in there very prepared. Every day, I have done my best in training. It’s a great opportunity, and I don’t want to waste it. I’m going to win this belt.”
Aggressive and strong
Stamp has not lost a Muay Thai fight since signing for the ONE Super Series. Rodrigues knows exactly what to expect at the Impact Arena on Friday,
“I’ve watched some of Stamp’s fights in ONE, and I know she’s an aggressive and strong fighter. She likes to kick a lot and punch, and when she gets in the clinch, she likes to throw her knee,” she said.
She also confirmed that both fighters would be wearing smaller gloves,
“I have to protect myself well because it will be a fight with small gloves. I need to block her kicks, I can’t let her impose her game plan, and I need to make her uncomfortable in the fight.”
Stamp has been more focused on MMA than Muay Thai in recent months. Rodrigues is aware of this and plans to make life as difficult as possible for the champion,
“My strategy is to pressure her the entire time. I will try to impose my game plan, walk forward, press on her without letting her breathe, and make her tired. That’s what we’re working on in training. I’ll put the pressure on her.”
Unique circumstances
It is doubtful Rodrigues would have for the opportunity to headline a ONE Championship card were it not for the unique set of circumstances we are currently in. Being based in Phuket during the pandemic looks set to pay off big time for the Brazilian,
“I am very happy with this opportunity. It’s a big step in my career. I want to be famous. I want to be the champion. I want to show what I’m capable of to everyone – to show that I can get there and that I can be among the best and compete with the best fighters.”
Challenging Stamp is one thing, beating her is another. But Rodrígues believes she has what it takes to dethrone the Thai superstar,
“I know it won’t be an easy fight. Stamp is a great fighter, and she has defended her belt several times. But I am very confident. I’m very prepared for this fight. I’m going to follow my game plan and put pressure on her, and I’m sure I’ll get this belt.”
