3 Reasons We’re Excited About Allycia Hellen Rodrigues vs. Janet Todd At ONE On Prime Video 5

The long-awaited showdown between divisional queens Allycia Hellen Rodrigues and Janet Todd has finally been confirmed for Friday, December 2.

The star strikers will unify the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title at ONE on Prime Video 5, and it’s a matchup the global fan base has been clamoring for since Todd captured the interim belt earlier this year.

Here are three reasons why combat sports aficionados across the globe are so excited to watch this showdown at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines – live in North American primetime.

#1 An Undisputed Queen Will Emerge

Rodrigues pulled off a stunning victory in her promotional debut at ONE: A NEW BREED in August 2020.

The Phuket Fight Club athlete challenged Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex for the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title and delivered an impressive performance to take the throne.

However, the Brazilian has been out of action since that upset victory – while “JT” has been on a tear.

After claiming the ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Title, Todd returned to Muay Thai with a pair of wins over Alma Juniku and Anne Line Hogstad.

Those results earned the American a shot at the ONE Interim Atomweight Muay Thai World Title, and she defeated Lara Fernandez in July to become a two-sport champ.

Now, Rodrigues and Todd will square off in a unification bout to crown the division’s one true queen.

#2 Rodrigues’ First Fight Since Becoming A Mother

After winning the divisional belt, Rodrigues took an extended absence surrounding the pregnancy and birth of her son, Josue, in September 2021.

Although the Brazilian has been working hard, it will be almost 28 months since she last competed by the time she steps into the Circle, and fans are eager to see if she can regain her peak form.

The 24-year-old resumed training soon after giving birth, so she hasn’t been inactive, but Todd has notched a trio of victories over world-class opponents, which will give her the edge in confidence and momentum.

Still, atomweight MMA queen Angela Lee recently proved that motherhood is not a barrier to success – becoming ONE’s first mom-champ in her return this year – so Rodrigues can take inspiration from that.

And with a new reason to succeed, the Brazilian could enter stronger and more motivated than ever to keep the gold in her possession.

#3 The Action Will Be Relentless

Both Rodrigues and Todd are known as strong all-around strikers with sharp tools in every area, and that means there should be no lulls in the action when they go head-to-head.

Rodrigues employs sharp punches and elbows along with fast kicks and a strong clinch game, leaving no obvious gaps in her armory. 

Todd likely has the edge in the boxing department, and she also utilizes powerful kicks and hurtful knees that offer up plenty of variety.

Although the Brazilian has shown a Thai-style inclination to build into fights more gradually, “JT” will force the action straight away, ensuring five rounds of fast-paced combat – should it go that far.

With so many potential ways their styles could clash, the bout has a chance to go in various directions, leading to even more anticipation ahead of the World Title unification clash in Manila.