Johanna Persson has waited her entire career for this chance. Against all odds, she has clawed her way to the top, and now stands just one victory away from achieving something truly extraordinary
The Swedish striker faces a daunting task in Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, but with pressure, power, and heart, she believes she can topple the queen of atomweight Muay Thai.
Whether she wins or loses, Persson has already inspired countless fans with her journey. But come July 11, she’s not stepping into the ring just to participate—she’s coming for the crown.
This matchup has all the makings of another Rodrigues showcase, but it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Persson is a live underdog who has everything to gain and nothing to lose.
However, if history is any indication, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues is likely to retain her title. Her experience, toughness, and deep skill set have carried her through tougher battles before.
Unless Persson pulls off something extraordinary, Rodrigues should be making another triumphant trip back to Phuket—with her world title belt still in hand.
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Allycia Hellen Rodrigues vs. Johanna Persson: Clash of Atomweight Titans
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues is ready for another war under the bright lights of ONE Championship.1
On Friday, July 11, the reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion will defend her title against Swedish rising star Johanna Persson in the main event of ONE Fight Night 33, live from Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
This bout marks Rodrigues’ fourth world title defense, and the Brazilian aims to continue her reign with the same dominance that brought her the belt nearly four years ago.
From Promotional Debut to Divisional Supremacy
Rodrigues first burst onto the global stage with a sensational victory over Stamp Fairtex at ONE: A New Breed in August 2020.
That night, she didn’t just beat a reigning champion—she dismantled her with relentless body kicks, clinch knees, and pocket boxing, earning a majority decision that shocked the Muay Thai world.
It was a star-making performance for the then 22-year-old, who showed composure far beyond her years.
Despite the pressure of making her ONE Championship debut against one of the sport’s most marketable stars, Rodrigues executed a perfect game plan, solidifying her place at the top of the atomweight Muay Thai division.
A Champion’s Journey Beyond the Ring
Following her breakout win, Rodrigues took a break from competition to start a family, giving birth to her son, Josue, who has since become her greatest motivation. Rather than slowing her down, motherhood gave Rodrigues a renewed sense of purpose.
Her return to the Circle was nothing short of spectacular. In her second bout, she faced Janet Todd, the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion, in a title unification bout.
Over five grueling rounds, Rodrigues put on a technical masterclass, outpointing Todd and proving that her championship-winning performance against Stamp was no fluke.
Johanna Persson: Momentum on Her Side
Recent Performances
Since then, Rodrigues has been on an unstoppable run. At ONE Fight Night 20, she met the dangerous Cristina Morales, a seasoned striker with knockout power.2
But Rodrigues controlled every round, showcasing her clinch work, durability, and high-volume striking.
Then came her most recent outing—perhaps her most impressive to date. In March 2025, Rodrigues headlined ONE Fight Night 29 and delivered her first stoppage win in ONE, defeating Marie McManamon via fourth-round TKO.
The Brazilian showed new dimensions to her game: improved power, sharper timing, and the killer instinct of a champion ready to finish fights, not just outpoint her opponents.
Potential Legacy on the Line
Should Rodrigues emerge victorious, she’ll strengthen her case as one of the most dominant champions in the history of the women’s atomweight division.
With each successful title defense, she builds a legacy not just as a great Muay Thai fighter—but as a true martial artist who balances life, family, and competition at the highest level.
A win over Persson would also open doors for future superfights—possibly a rematch with Stamp Fairtex, or even crossover bouts in kickboxing or MMA. The possibilities are endless for a champion of Rodrigues’ caliber.
Persson’s Plan: Shock the World
For Johanna Persson, this fight is her gateway to global recognition. A win over Rodrigues would catapult her from relative obscurity into instant stardom.
She’s undoubtedly watched the champion’s previous fights and is preparing a game plan that capitalizes on any perceived weaknesses.
Whether it’s testing Rodrigues’ cardio, targeting the legs to slow her down, or fighting off the back foot and scoring on the break, Persson will need to fight the perfect fight. But in Muay Thai—especially under the lights of Lumpinee—nothing is impossible.
Johanna Persson: The Challenger with Nothing to Lose
While Rodrigues has proven herself against some of the best in the world, her next opponent, Johanna Persson, represents a new type of threat.3
The Swedish striker is hungry, unranked, and entering the fight as a considerable underdog—but that’s exactly what makes her dangerous.
Persson may lack the championship experience of her opponent, but she brings a technical Muay Thai style with crisp combinations, excellent movement, and a gas tank that allows her to push the pace for five rounds.
She’s made a name for herself in the European Muay Thai scene and now has a golden opportunity to upset one of the most dominant female champions in ONE history.
Styles Make Fights: What to Expect in the Main Event
On paper, this is a classic striker vs. striker showdown. But Rodrigues’ Muay Thai style is uniquely suited to big fights.
Her ability to dictate the tempo, pressure opponents, and control the clinch often leaves her foes with little room to breathe. She is known for her relentless pace, aggressive body attacks, and ferocious knees.
Persson, however, might try to exploit any overcommitments from Rodrigues with her counter-punching and evasive footwork. If she can stay off the ropes and keep the fight at range, she may have a shot at pulling off the upset.
Still, few women have been able to match Rodrigues’ output and toughness for a full five rounds.
Champion Mindset: Rodrigues’ Motivation and Maturity
- Now 27 years old, Rodrigues is not only a champion but a veteran in the world’s biggest martial arts organization.
- Balancing motherhood and championship responsibilities, she’s become a role model for female athletes everywhere.
- Her discipline in training, combined with the elite coaching at Phuket Fight Club, has allowed her to evolve with each fight.
- She credits her son Josue for helping her grow both mentally and emotionally—making her more focused, composed, and determined than ever before.
- The setting of Lumpinee Boxing Stadium adds another layer of gravity to the showdown. The Bangkok landmark is the spiritual home of Muay Thai, where legends are born and reputations are tested.
- For Rodrigues, competing and headlining a world title fight in this hallowed arena is both an honor and a responsibility. For Persson, it’s a chance to etch her name in history with an upset victory on sacred ground.
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Johanna Persson’s Golden Opportunity
A Defining Battle Against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues
Johanna Persson stands at the brink of greatness. On Friday, July 11, at ONE Fight Night 33, the Swedish Muay Thai powerhouse will face off against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues in a bid for the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title.
This clash is more than just a title bout—it’s an opportunity for Persson to etch her name into the global combat sports consciousness.
From regional dominance to the biggest stage in the sport, this is Persson’s long-awaited chance to showcase her relentless fighting spirit against one of the best in the game.
Let’s explore the significance of this matchup, Persson’s decorated path to the top, and what a victory over Rodrigues would mean for her legacy.
A Long Time Coming: The Rise of Johanna Persson
For years, Johanna Persson has honed her craft in Europe, building an impressive résumé that includes a WBC world title, an ISKA world title, and multiple European Muay Thai championships.
She’s been a force to reckon with, dismantling top-tier competition with a high-pressure style that leaves opponents with no room to breathe.
While the Swedish striker has always been a notable figure within European circles, the transition to ONE Championship represents a massive step into the global spotlight.
Her debut on this stage isn’t just another fight—it’s the culmination of a career defined by grit, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Meet the Champion: Allycia Hellen Rodrigues
To earn the gold, Persson must first overcome one of the most skilled atomweight fighters on the planet. Allycia Hellen Rodrigues, a Brazilian Muay Thai technician, is not only the reigning champion but a proven elite competitor in the art of eight limbs.
Rodrigues stunned fans around the world when she defeated Stamp Fairtex in 2020 to capture the atomweight crown. Known for her precision, adaptability, and technical finesse, Rodrigues presents a formidable challenge for any opponent.
This bout is, in every sense, the ultimate test for Persson—a challenge that she has craved for years.
Johanna Persson: Representing Sweden
A Historic Moment for Scandinavian Muay Thai
Persson’s appearance on such a high-profile platform is not just a personal achievement—it’s a milestone for Scandinavian Muay Thai.
Fighters from Sweden and the broader Nordic region have long battled for recognition in the global Muay Thai hierarchy, and Persson’s title shot at ONE Fight Night 33 signifies a changing of tides.
A victory for Persson would likely galvanize a new generation of Nordic fighters and shine a brighter light on the talent that has been brewing in gyms like Gefle Fight Center and Sitjaopho Muaythai for years.
The Road to ONE: Years of Grit and Sacrifice
What makes Persson’s rise to the title scene so compelling is the journey itself. This is not a story of overnight success.
It’s the tale of a fighter who worked tirelessly through the ranks, taking on the best across Europe, sometimes with minimal recognition, just for the love of the sport.
She didn’t get here by avoiding challenges. On the contrary, she actively sought out tough matchups, gaining valuable experience with each battle.
That mentality—that hunger to always improve—has now brought her to the cusp of becoming a ONE World Champion.
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What Persson Must Do to Win
For Persson to succeed against Rodrigues, several key strategies must come into play:
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Close the distance early – She can’t allow Rodrigues to settle into a rhythm.
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Dominate the clinch – Persson’s strength and stamina in close quarters could wear the champ down.
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Maintain relentless pressure – Allowing Rodrigues to counter at range could be dangerous.
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Stay composed in later rounds – Rodrigues has proven she can go the distance.
If Persson executes her game plan effectively and keeps the champion uncomfortable, she has a real shot at pulling off one of the biggest wins of her career.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Title
While the belt is undoubtedly the biggest prize, there’s more on the line than hardware. A win for Persson could lead to:
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Future super-fights in ONE against the likes of Stamp Fairtex, Janet Todd, or Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak.
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Global sponsorship opportunities, with her story appealing to audiences worldwide.
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A significant boost to women’s Muay Thai in Europe, especially in Sweden.
This isn’t just a fight; it’s a potential gateway to the next level of stardom and influence.
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