‘A Better Fighter Than Her’ – Victoria Souza Confident Ahead Of Clash With Alyse Anderson At ONE 168: Denver
Victoria “Vick” Souza is heading into enemy territory for her atomweight MMA clash at ONE 168: Denver.
The Brazilian sensation will face American star Alyse “Lil’ Savage” Anderson when ONE returns to U.S. soil on Friday, September 6, and she’s anticipating a tough battle against the home favorite at Ball Arena in Colorado.
Souza knows she isn’t just going up against a partisan crowd – but also a high-level opponent who has strong skills in every range along with impressive physical attributes.
“Vick” told onefc.com:
“I have watched [Anderson’s] fights. She is a very fast fighter, especially with her striking. She likes striking, she likes to respond quickly to blows, and she counters a lot.
“I think what makes her dangerous is her speed. But she has a good wingspan in addition to her speed.
“I think those are her strengths. But I don’t see her weaknesses. She is a complete fighter and very dangerous.”
Given the quality of her upcoming foe, Souza has increased her efforts in training camp to ensure she’s prepared for every possibility.
The decorated kickboxer has focused on improving her athleticism to go alongside her impressive striking and submission skills, and she believes this will give her the overall edge in Denver:
“I’m doing a lot of conditioning training. I’m much faster, and I’m stronger [than before]. And despite all of Alyse’s qualities, I believe that my qualities make me a better fighter than her. My strength and speed will be my greatest advantages.
“She will feel the power of my strikes a lot. She will feel the power of my hands. So, I don’t know how, but I believe that will help me win this fight.”
Souza Riding High After Career-Best Win
Victoria Souza hasn’t had any easy fights in ONE Championship, facing tough opponents in all four of her outings.
She entered her most recent matchup against Japanese standout Itsuki Hirata at ONE 167 with a 1-2 promotional record, but that didn’t stop her from delivering a career-best victory.
Before their meeting, Hirata’s only defeats had come in competitive decisions to the atomweight MMA division’s elite, so Souza’s first-round submission victory via guillotine choke was a massive statement.
“Vick” reflected on that confidence-boosing finish:
“I really liked my performance in my last fight. I expected to strike for three rounds. My goal against Itsuki was not to go to the ground.
“I had trained to go three rounds defending takedowns and striking, but the guillotine opportunity came up, and I realized I was well-positioned.
“I was already moving to her side, but when I saw I was attached, I went back and pulled guard to adjust the submission.”
