5 Takeaways From ONE Fight Night 20: Todd Vs. Phetjeeja
A groundbreaking card on International Women’s Day 2024 was a chance for the female warriors of ONE Championship to shine on March 8 in U.S. primetime at ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja on Prime Video.
Nine bouts electrified Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, as two World Titles were up for grabs and a plethora of rising stars looked to make their marks.
With another exciting showcase in the rearview, here are five big takeaways from the memorable performances at ONE Fight Night 20.
Phetjeeja Is Becoming An Unstoppable Superstar
“The Queen” Phetjeeja ended 2023 by knocking off pound-for-pound great Anissa Meksen and becoming the ONE Interim Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion. After unifying the divisional belts against Janet Todd last Friday, the Thai phenom is setting herself up for a historic 2024.
The rising striker didn’t have it easy against Todd, but her blistering speed and forward movement were enough to earn a unanimous decision and become the undisputed ONE Women’s Atomweight Kickboxing World Champion.
After wins over Todd and Meksen, the 22-year-old is unquestionably the world’s best kickboxer and should be included on any pound-for-pound list. Next, she will have plenty of opportunities to write more history and potentially become “The Queen” in Muay Thai, too.
Amid a truly dominant run and unbeaten in ONE Championship, Phetjeeja is establishing herself as an unstoppable force and is well on her way to international superstardom.
Janet Todd Ends Iconic Career In Style
Janet Todd may have ended her illustrious career with a loss to Phetjeeja, but she did not disappoint in any way.
The 38-year-old American has accomplished nearly everything in both kickboxing and Muay Thai. And unlike some athletes, she did not retire too late. On Friday, the Boxing Works representative proved she is still at the top of her game and among the elite strikers at atomweight.
JT’s” competitive days may have come to a close, but her impact will be felt for generations to come. As one of America’s preeminent strikers, she has helped pave the way for the next crop of amazing women warriors.
Todd always delivered under the spotlight. She left everything in the ring, and with or without the gold over her shoulder, she exited as a true champion.
Rodrigues Makes Good On Promise To Inspire
ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues defended her throne with five rounds of technical mastery against Spain’s Cristina Morales.
The Brazilian was methodical in her approach, producing a beautiful display of “the art of eight limbs” against a determined Morales. Both women performed admirably in the first ONE World Title match featuring two mothers, but Rodrigues was just too sharp for the challenger.
The 25-year-old wanted to use her performance to inspire other women worldwide, especially new mothers — a goal she unquestionably accomplished.
Since returning from giving birth to her first child, Rodrigues has unified the atomweight Muay Thai gold and successfully defended it. Her return to the sport’s apex leaves no doubt that she is a role model to all who aspire to greatness.
Jackie Buntan Appears Ready For World Title Rematch
Jackie Buntan has been on a mission to get a rematch with ONE Women’s Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion Smilla Sundell. She might have punched her ticket with her third consecutive win at ONE Fight Night 20.
Martine Michieletto did not make it easy, but Buntan figured out the distance and landed her signature left hook throughout the match. It was enough for the Boxing Works striker to earn a unanimous decision win.
Earlier in the evening, Sundell was interviewed in the ring and stated that she would be keeping a close eye on the contest. Now, the teen superstar knows a second date with the American is looking even more likely.
Buntan has been on fire since her only defeat in ONE. After another shining performance under the bright lights, the 26-year-old has her eyes set on obtaining the women’s strawweight division’s golden prize.
New Contenders Stand Out
Some fresh faces made the most of their opportunities and shook up their respective divisions.
Shir Cohen started the night with a bang with a second-round TKO of Teodora Kirilova in their atomweight Muay Thai contest. Cohen displayed her power, proving she’s a threat to anybody in the division.
After five exciting performances in ONE Friday Fights, Hong Kong phenom Yu Yau Pui stepped up in U.S. primetime to further show why she is one of the most exciting strikers on the planet. Her nonstop aggression earned her a unanimous decision win over a game Lara Fernandez.
Plus, Chihiro Sawada upended #5-ranked atomweight MMA contender Jihin Radzuan. The unbeaten Japanese athlete survived an early submission attempt before rallying with her own grappling game and ground-and-pound.
These three rising stars not only showed the importance of seizing the moment but proved the depth of the world’s most outstanding global roster of martial artists.
