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SportMartial Arts

‘I couldn’t play football, I preferred kicking rivals than ball’ – ONE Championship star

Johanna Persson prepares for ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title fight against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues in ONE Fight Night 33 main event

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Johanna Persson is preparing to headline ONE Fight Night 33 with her fight against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues. Photo: ONE Championship
Andrew Whitelaw

Johanna Persson has always had a competitive streak – it just didn’t always serve her well.

“I wasn’t so good at football,” she said with a laugh. “I was more into kicking my opponents than kicking the ball.”

A few red cards later, the Swede finally found a better outlet for her aggression.

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On Saturday, the 30-year-old will challenge Allycia Hellen Rodrigues for the ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title in the main event of ONE Fight Night 33 at Bangkok’s legendary Lumpinee Stadium.

It will be her promotional debut and the biggest night of her career.

“Of course she’s the best,” Persson said of Rodrigues. “She’s defended the belt four times.

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