Marie McManamon will get a chance of a lifetime on Friday, March 7, when she makes her ONE Championship debut. The United Kingdom’s top-ranked atomweight Muay Thai striker steps in on short notice for a shot at gold at ONE Fight Night 29 on Prime Video. McManamon will try to dethrone the incredible reign of Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.
Shir Cohen Gives Way to Marie McManamon March 7
Rodrigues was originally slated to defend her crown against Shir Cohen. However, the Israeli had to withdraw from her shot at destiny due to injury. The Brazilian sensation had no trouble accepting the new opponent, showing her willingness to defend the ONE Atomweight Muay Thai World Championship against all comers.
Rodrigues began her reign in 2020 when she debuted in a title tilt against Stamp Fairtex. It was a close contest, with the Brazilian edging Stamp by majority decision. Following the win, Rodrigues took time off to start a family.
As a new mom, Rodrigues returned in 2023 to unify the gold with Janet Todd. In another impressive performance, the 26-year-old took a unanimous decision win back home. She followed that win up with another title defense in 2024, defeating Cristina Morales by unanimous decision.
Can Marie McManamon Handle the Pressure of a Title Shot?
Marie McManamon trains out of the storied Knowlesy Academy in the United Kingdom. The gym is best known for producing current ONE Bantamweight Kickboxing World Champion Jonathan Haggerty. McManamon is hoping to be the next great striker from the gym to claim gold on the global stage.
The ONE Fight Night 29 main event will test both women. Marie McManamon must prove she can hang with the elite on short notice, while Rodrigues gets a fresh test that she had little time to prepare for in a main event bout. Regardless of the circumstances, both women are out to set a high pace and sling leather for the biggest prize in the game.
ONE Fight Night 29 airs live on Friday, March 7, on Prime Video. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST. The event is free for all Amazon Prime subscribers in the U.S. and Canada.
