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Brazilian powerhouse Allycia Hellen Rodrigues delivered a masterclass performance at ONE Fight Night 33 in Bangkok, successfully defending her ONE Women's Atomweight Muay Thai World Title against Sweden's Johanna Persson with a spectacular third-round knockout. The champion dominated the early rounds with her signature step-in elbows and devastating body kicks, while utilizing superior clinch work to control the pace of the fight. Rodrigues' tactical approach paid dividends as she systematically broke down the WBC Muay Thai World Champion challenger.

The decisive moment came in the third round when Rodrigues unleashed a perfectly timed left hook that sent Persson crashing to the canvas. After the Swedish fighter answered the eight-count, Rodrigues wasted no time in finishing the job, landing a punishing body shot that forced Persson to drop her guard before delivering the final left hook that ended the contest at the 59-second mark. The victory earned Rodrigues a $50,000 performance bonus from ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong and extended her professional record to an impressive 35-7, cementing her status as the longest-reigning female titleholder in ONE Championship's striking divisions.

ONE Fight Night 33 at Bangkok's iconic Lumpinee Stadium delivered an action-packed evening of combat sports entertainment, featuring eight compelling matchups across both Muay Thai and mixed martial arts disciplines. The event, which aired live on Amazon Prime Video during U.S. primetime hours, showcased the depth and talent of ONE Championship's global roster. Beyond the main event title defense, the card featured several standout performances that demonstrated the evolution of modern combat sports.

Notable results included Abdulla Dayakaev's lightning-fast 24-second knockout victory over Nontachai Jitmuangnon in Muay Thai action, while the MMA portion of the card saw Chihiro Sawada secure a first-round armbar submission victory over Macarena Aragon. The evening also featured Ibragim Dauev's unanimous decision victory over Pedro Dantas and Jhanlo Mark Sangiao's third-round rear-naked choke submission of Shinechagtga Zoltsetseg. The diverse lineup highlighted ONE Championship's commitment to showcasing multiple martial arts disciplines on a single platform, providing fans with a comprehensive combat sports experience.

The combat sports world is buzzing with anticipation for ONE 173: Denver on August 1, where two of Muay Thai's most beloved veterans will collide in what promises to be an explosive bantamweight encounter. British legend Liam "Hitman" Harrison, a former three-time Muay Thai World Champion, will face Myanmar hero Soe "Man of Steel" Lin Oo at Ball Arena in a matchup that epitomizes the warrior spirit of "the art of eight limbs." At 39 years old, Harrison brings decades of experience and an aggressive fighting style that has earned him a reputation as one of the sport's most fearless competitors.

Harrison's return to competition follows a challenging period that included a two-year injury layoff and a brief retirement announcement after his September 2024 knockout loss to Thai star Seksan Or Kwanmuang. His opponent, 33-year-old Soe Lin Oo, represents the new generation of international Muay Thai talent, having dominated Myanmar's ultra-competitive lethwei scene for nearly two decades before transitioning to ONE Championship in early 2024. Despite recent setbacks against elite competition including interim bantamweight champion Nabil Anane, Soe Lin Oo's granite chin and relentless combination striking make him a formidable opponent for the returning British veteran.

The boundaries between combat sports continue to blur as heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury demonstrated his versatility by incorporating Muay Thai techniques into his training regimen. A viral video captured the British fighter delivering a devastating kick that floored his Muay Thai instructor, showcasing the growing trend of elite boxers expanding their skill sets beyond traditional Western boxing. The 47-second clip highlighted Fury's natural athleticism and adaptability, traits that have made him one of boxing's most dominant heavyweight champions.

This crossover training approach reflects the modern evolution of combat sports, where athletes increasingly recognize the value of incorporating techniques from multiple martial arts disciplines. Fury's exploration of Muay Thai techniques demonstrates how traditional boxing can benefit from the diverse striking arsenal that "the art of eight limbs" provides, including kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch work. The integration of such training methods not only enhances an athlete's overall combat effectiveness but also provides valuable conditioning and movement patterns that can translate back to their primary discipline.

The 2025 IFMA Asian Championships in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam, marked a historic milestone for Muay Thai in Southeast Asia, as the country hosted this prestigious tournament for the first time. The championship featured comprehensive competition across multiple weight categories, with athletes from throughout Asia converging to compete for continental supremacy. The event's significance extended beyond mere competition, representing the continued growth and international recognition of Muay Thai as a legitimate sport with Olympic aspirations.

Vietnam's successful hosting of the championship demonstrated the country's commitment to developing Muay Thai infrastructure and promoting the sport throughout the region. The tournament featured multiple days of intense competition, including preliminary bouts, semifinals, and finals, all broadcast live to international audiences. The championship served as a crucial qualifying event for various international competitions and provided a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills against established regional champions, further elevating the sport's profile across Asia.

The week of July 7-13, 2025, proved to be a landmark period for Muay Thai, featuring championship-level competition, international tournaments, and crossover training that highlighted the sport's continued evolution and global appeal. From Allycia Rodrigues' dominant title defense in Bangkok to the anticipation building for upcoming events in Denver, the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique blend of technical skill, cultural tradition, and raw athleticism.

As we look toward the remainder of 2025, the Muay Thai community can anticipate continued growth in international competition, increased crossover appeal with other combat sports, and the ongoing development of new talent across all weight divisions. The sport's inclusion in major international championships and its growing presence on global streaming platforms ensures that Muay Thai will continue to reach new audiences while honoring its rich Thai heritage.

Sources:

1.ONE Championship Official Website

2.Cageside Press

3.Sky Sports

4.Olympics.com

5.Various International Muay Thai Organizations

A little look into the Muay Thaibata class!