3 keys to victory for Janet Todd against Allycia Hellen Rodrigues

Janet Todd wants nothing more than to shake off the interim tag on her ONE atomweight Muay Thai world title.

‘JT’s shot to become an undisputed two-sport world champion is finally upon us at ONE Fight Night 8 this Friday, March 24, at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

The American, though, must first conquer perhaps her toughest challenge yet against the returning Allycia Hellen Rodrigues.

Todd and Rodrigues’ collision course was initially booked at ONE on Prime Video 5 last year. However, a surprising positive COVID-19 test for Todd hindered those plans.

The long wait only gave the 37-year-old ample time to sharpen her tools, and she’s ready to lay it all on the line this coming weekend.

With that said, here’s what Janet Todd must do to become the sole ruler of the ONE atomweight Muay Thai throne.

ONE Fight Night 8: Superlek vs Rodtang will air live on US Primetime and free for all existing Amazon Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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#3. Batter Rodrigues’ legs with low kicks

As we saw in her stunning promotional debut against Stamp Fairtex, Allycia Hellen Rodrigues only knows one way to go – and that is to move forward.

The aggressive Brazilian’s immense pressure was overwhelming even for a distinguished Muay Thai superstar like Stamp.

Todd, who’s also a ONE atomweight kickboxing world champion, has fought her share of headhunters before. A lot of them eventually slowed down after taking Todd’s seemingly mundane yet highly-effective leg kicks.

Remember how the Boxing Works superstar dropped Wang Chin Long thrice by obliterating her lower half?

Let’s not forget Stamp Fairtex was also having her way with Todd in their rematch, up until the American’s leg kicks took their toll on the Thai destroyer. While the uber-tough Rodrigues certainly has shins of steel, her movement could get compromised if she takes too many of those kicks from Todd.

If Janet Todd can limit Rodrigues’ ability to dash forward, she could launch her brutal assault from distance, where she shines the most.

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#2. Janet Todd must avoid a clinch war with Rodrigues

Another reason why Todd must chomp away at Rodrigues’ legs is to keep her at bay. The Phuket Fight Club standout is a master at closing the distance and creating havoc from the clinch.

In her previous fight, the 24-year-old beat Stamp in her own game by wearing her down with piercing knees and slicing elbows.

Janet Todd, of course, can more than hold her own in a phonebooth match, which she has already proven in numerous wars inside the circle.

Then again, why risk it and play into the Brazilian’s preferred pace? Todd’s experience should allow her to neutralize Rodrigues’ pressure-heavy attacks and disengage whenever she starts building momentum.

‘JT’ has showcased a methodical and patient approach in her seven-fight winning streak inside the circle.

Todd knows she has five full rounds to decimate Rodrigues from afar and go for the kill if the opportunity strikes.

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#1. Get off to a fast start by setting the tone with her boxing

If there’s any critique of Janet Todd’s game, it’s that it takes a while for her to get going.

While she’s not a slow starter by any means, the American usually prefers to use the early rounds to get a read on her opponent.

That could be a risky ploy against the Rodrigues, who’ll probably come out of the gates hot, especially after her long lay-off.

If that’s the case, the best course of action would be to fight fire with fire once the bell rings.

Todd can assert her dominance if she lets her fists go right away.

The 37-year-old’s elite boxing skills, after all, are arguably right there among the best female fighters in the world today.

‘JT’ had a bit of trouble early on in her ONE atomweight interim world title fight against Lara Fernandez. But by round 5, she was able to connect with her deadly punch combinations which ultimately earned her the unanimous decision nod.

As heroic as it may seem to snag victory from the jaws of defeat at the last minute, Janet Todd’s best bet is to impose her will as early as possible.