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Andrew Whitelaw

A certain brash Irishman once made a phrase synonymous with combat sports: “We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over.”
Martyna Kierczynska is anything but brash, but she would almost certainly subscribe to Conor McGregor’s sentiment.
Quietly confident, respectful, and technically gifted, the Polish phenom carries herself with conviction – and believes she belongs at the top.
The 23-year-old Muay Thai standout is preparing for her third appearance in ONE Championship and has made no secret of her long-term goal.
“I want to be the first Polish world champion in ONE Championship,” Kierczynska told the Post. “That’s my goal; I’m doing everything I can to be on top.”


Originally scheduled to face Scotland’s Amy Pirnie in Bangkok, Kierczynska was handed a late opponent switch when Pirnie withdrew. Stepping in will be Cynthia Flores, a 30-year-old from Mexico with a WBC international title on her resume.
“I was very focused on Amy,” Kierczynska said. “We had prepared a full game plan.
“But I’m grateful there’s still a fight. Cynthia Flores is a strong opponent, and I’m excited to welcome her to ONE.”
Kierczynska will be looking to make another strong statement, possibly replicating the emphatic first-round knockout from her promotional debut earlier last year.
“If I see the chance for a knockout, I’ll go for it,” she said. “But I’ll also stay calm and fight smart.”
The pursuit of greatness has driven the Polish striker to overhaul her entire approach to the sport, including a switch in management and, crucially, the addition of a mental coach.
“I want to behave like a champion in every way,” she said. “Not just in training, but in recovery, diet and mental health.
“I’ve started working with a mental coach to stay focused, to relax when I need to, and to be ready for everything.
“Martial arts is a very tough sport. You have to be strong not just physically but mentally. I want to be the best, and that means leaving no stone unturned.”

After previously competing at strawweight, Kierczynska now fights at atomweight – a move she believes is already paying off.
“I feel more comfortable here,” she said. “At strawweight, I was too small.
“Now I’m on a level playing field, and I’m climbing step by step toward the top.”
She is also keeping a close eye on the division’s elite, including reigning atomweight Muay Thai champion Allycia Helen Rodriguez, former three-sport queen Stamp Fairtex and legendary Thai phenom Phetjeeja Lukjaoporongtom.
“If I win this fight, I want to challenge someone higher in the rankings,” she said. “Maybe Amy Pirnie later this year.
Maybe even Allycia or Stamp. That’s the level I want to be at.”
Her dream is to one day fight on a landmark card such as November’s ONE 173 event in Japan.
“I saw all the big names on that show,” she said. “It’s my dream to be on that level.
“I want to show the world that a girl from Poland can be the best in the world.”
With her mindset, skill set, and growing experience, that dream may not be far off.


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‘I want to be first Polish world champion’ – Kierczynska’s ONE Championship aim

Martyna Kierczynska (left) said her ambition was to become the first world champion from Poland. Photo: ONE Championship

Martyna Kierczynska (right) now fights at atomweight, having dropped down from strawweight. Photo: ONE Championship

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Younes Rabah faces Shadow Singha Mawynn at ONE Fight Night 33 in Bangkok next month. Photo: ONE Championship

Shadow Singha Mawynn (left) beat Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong last July. Photo: ONE Championship

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Denice Zamboanga was named MMA atomweight champion despite losing twice to Ham Seo-hee. Photo: ONE Championship

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Shadow Singha Mawynn (left) during his fight against Sitthichai Sitsongpeenong at ONE Friday Fights 92 in July 2024. Photo: ONE Championship

Sport

Martial Arts

The 23-year-old Muay Thai standout is preparing for third appearance in ONE Championship, and makes no secret of long-term goal


The 23-year-old Muay Thai standout is preparing for third appearance in ONE Championship, and makes no secret of long-term goal.


Stamp Fairtex

‘I want to be first Polish world champion’ – Kierczynska’s ONE Championship aim

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 23-year-old Muay Thai standout is preparing for third appearance in ONE Championship, and makes no secret of long-term goal

The 23-year-old Muay Thai standout is preparing for third appearance in ONE Championship, and makes no secret of long-term goal