“I’m a Fighter, I Make a Living From This” – Dayane Cardoso Is “Not Scared” of ONE Fight Night 19 Rival Wondergirl

Dayane Cardoso is set for the spotlight in her upcoming fight, and she wants to pick up a win against one of the fastest-rising stars out of Thailand. At ONE Fight Night 19: Haggerty vs. Lobo on Friday, February 16, “Day Monster” will figure in a strawweight mixed-rules showdown.

And her opponent? None other than Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak. The fight will go down inside the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Cardoso is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Chinese star Meng Bo in her latest outing at ONE Fight Night 9 last April, but in an interview with ONE, she revealed how that defeat helped her change for the better. 

A change for the better

“Sometimes, one step back is what we need to take several steps forward,” she said. “I came back with much more thirst and desire to win. I’m doing two more training sessions [per day] than I did in my last training camp, and I’m sure this will make a huge difference.” 

Similar to the clash between flyweight Muay Thai king Rodtang Jitmuangnon and flyweight MMA titleholder Demetrious Johnson at ONE X in March 2022, the bout between Cardoso and Jaroonsak will have alternating rounds of Muay Thai and MMA. 

However, unlike that legendary matchup, the protagonists this time around will have previously dabbled in both sports on the ticket. “Wondergirl” has made a name for herself in Muay Thai but has recently competed in MMA. Which is why it’s an interesting match-up.

Because Cardoso has showcased her skills in the all-encompassing sport of MMA for over half a decade but made her start in Muay Thai. Because of this, the Brazilian star didn’t need much time to think about accepting the match when it was offered. And she’s ready to make a name for herself when she takes to the ring on February 16. 

All she wants is to be “the best”

“I’m a fighter. I make a living from this, so I want to fight. No matter who is on the other side, I will always be ready to put on a show. I have the ambition to be a World Champion, so I don’t care who I fight against and under what rules. I want to beat the best to become the best,” Cardoso said.  

Also Read: “He’s Teaching Me a Lot” Nat “Wondergirl” Jaroonsak Reveals Insight From the Training Camp With Olympic Gold Medalist

“I’m not scared of her style because I also came from Muay Thai, and I’ve been doing it for years. I see myself as an opponent who will make her work hard in the area she specializes in, and you will see that.” Clearly, Cardoso isn’t scared of adversity. Will she come out the winner?

Also Read: “I Felt Like the Black Sheep” – Wondergirl Opens Up on Her Emotional Journey of Competing at ONE Championship