On International Women’s Day 2024, the esteemed ONE Championship hosted an all-female fight card at the iconic Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. The event, known as ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja, was broadcast in U.S. primetime on Prime Video and featured 18 elite martial artists representing 13 different countries. This gathering of women warriors from around the world was truly a remarkable spectacle.
Prior to the two main World Title contests, Belarusian veteran Ekaterina “Barbie” Vandaryeva and Japanese prodigy Chihiro Sawada each secured impressive victories in their respective fights. Following their triumphs, they graciously shared their thoughts with the media.
Vandaryeva, who successfully ended the unbeaten streak of Polish fighter Martyna Kierczynska, expressed her elation over her inaugural triumph in ONE after closely contested decisions against top-ranked opponents. Vandaryeva displayed exceptional experience and a high fight IQ, strategically setting traps for counter-strikes and securing a second-round knockdown to sway the judges in her favor. She discussed the significance of defeating one of the sport’s most promising stars, emphasizing that hype does not determine the outcome of a fight. Additionally, she highlighted the joy of achieving victory on International Women’s Day and addressed the stereotypes surrounding female fighters.
Sawada, a former Shooto Champion, made a significant impact in her highly anticipated U.S. primetime debut by employing a ferocious grappling and ground-and-pound strategy to outpoint the #5-ranked atomweight MMA contender, Jihin “Shadow Cat” Radzuan. Despite her victory and the attention she received, Sawada remained modest and credited her opponent for providing her with a significant opportunity. She acknowledged the necessity to gain more experience before considering a title shot, despite displaying World Championship-caliber skills in her match.
Both fighters exhibited passion, humility, and determination in their responses, which undoubtedly resonated with fans and media alike. Their dedication to their craft and willingness to acknowledge the challenges ahead are truly commendable. It will be exciting to follow their careers and witness their future accomplishments in the world of martial arts.