‘I Feel Amazing’ – Allycia Hellen Rodrigues Recalls World Title Win Over Janet Todd, Ponders Next Fight
After two and a half years away from the Circle, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues returned in style at ONE Fight Night 8 on Prime Video this past Friday, March 24.
The Brazilian star defeated surging two-sport queen Janet Todd via unanimous decision in their ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title unification bout at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, and in the process, she cemented her position at the top of the division.
The co-main event marked Rodrigues’ first match back since winning the gold from Stamp Fairtex in August 2020, and while many questioned how the new mother would fare after the long layoff and giving birth to her first son, she was adamant that her hard work would pay off.
In the end, the 24-year-old Brazilian was right, as she delivered a sterling performance in “The Lion City” that fans will not soon forget.
Rodrigues said:
“I feel amazing. I have a lot of support from my family and my team. I knew if I worked hard, I could come back and keep my belt with me.”
But Rodrigues didn’t have it all her own way. Todd, who entered the contest as the interim titleholder and ONE Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion, came out of the blocks at a high pace.
The Brazilian initially struggled to get into her groove during the first two rounds, but once she had blown off the cobwebs, she started her decisive takeover. She battered “JT” with hard punches, elbows, and kicks, and looked stronger and stronger as the bout progressed. And once the final bell sounded, it was clear she had earned her most impressive win to date.
Rodrigues said:
“I was over two years out of fighting, so my timing was slightly off. And we planned to start slow, but after the third round, we knew which direction to take.
“I knew she was going to start strong and fast. I just kept calm, and I listened to my corner. Listening to my corner helped me get the victory.”
Allycia Hellen Rodrigues Inspired By Angela Lee, Eyes Next Challenge
After her ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title unification victory, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues cited another “mom champ” as a huge source of motivation.
The Brazilian striker thanked ONE Women’s Atomweight World Champion Angela Lee for leading the way after her pregnancy and hoped to be able to do the same for other female athletes in a similar position.
Rodrigues said:
“I am inspired by Angela Lee. I saw the way she came back and how she kept the belt with her. I want to do the same and inspire people the way Angela inspired me.”
Now that she has proven to be the top dog in the atomweight Muay Thai division, Rodrigues is looking ahead to the future.
The Brazilian is tempted to make the switch to kickboxing and begin a run at two-sport glory, but she is also interested in a Muay Thai rematch with an old rival.
Rodrigues said:
“[Kickboxing] will be a new challenge for me, and I want a new challenge. And I promise I’m going to show a better version of myself this time.
“[Also], Stamp [Fairtex] called me out. I’m going to be there. Just tell us the day and the time.”
