“The Woman I Am Fighting Is Also a Mother” – Cristina Morales Opens Up on Facing Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 20

For the first time in ONE Championship history, two moms will square off for 26 pounds of gold, as current ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues will defend her World Title against decorated Spanish star Cristina Morales.

That mom-versus-mom clash will go down this Friday, March 8, in the co-main event of ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja on Prime Video, live in U.S. primetime from the legendary Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The clash of mothers: Allycia Hellen Rodrigues vs. Cristina Morales

A proud mother of two boys, Morales is an experienced mom-fighter, having won the ISKA K-1 World Title before she joined ONE but after becoming a mother. Her opponent, on the other hand, Rodrigues, returned from a layoff in 2023 following the birth of her first child to successfully retain her atomweight Muay Thai crown in an epic battle with Janet Todd.

Naturally, Morales sees common ground between herself and the hard-hitting Brazilian. She explained: “The woman I am fighting is also a mother, and I identify myself with her. We are proof that women can compete in the best leagues while being mothers.”

Indeed, each fighter has reached the highest levels of Muay Thai all while pulling double duty as a world-class fighter and devoted mother. Morales is quick to give her foe plenty of respect, not only because she’s a fellow mother but also because she fights with relentless aggression, a seemingly endless gas tank, and a gritty, never-say-die attitude.

Morales has nothing but respect for her opponent

To that end, the World Title challenger says Rodrigues is much like herself: “Allycia is a strong fighter that is always pushing forward. She reminds me of myself. She fights until the end. “This fight will have great rhythm. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Both fighters will do their best,” said Morales.

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Of course, Morales is at least partly motivated by the prospect of winning a World Title against one of Muay Thai’s most respected athletes and the global recognition that would come along with it. But beyond winning the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Title she so desperately wants, the Spanish scrapper hopes to serve as an example to her sons and be living proof that hard work and discipline will always pay off.

She added, “To win this World Championship would mean a lot to me, my family, and my country. I would achieve something I have dreamed of all my life. It is the reason training is hard every day. It would be a dream come true. It is important for me to show my kids what people can achieve with hard work.” Their clash would set the stage for women’s fighters across the world. What’s your opinion on their fight?

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