ONE Fight Night 32: Shir Cohen once received a World Championship opportunity that she dreamed of since the start of her martial arts journey.
Unfortunately, an ankle injury shattered that dream. But now the opportunity has knocked twice, and she won’t miss it for the world.
The young Israeli sensation will challenge the longest-reigning ONE Women’s Atomweight Muay Thai World Champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues for the crown in the main event of ONE Fight Night 32 on 7 June.
The Fairtex Training Center representative recently went through the toughest phase of her life, dealing not only with an injury but also personal challenges. She opened up about the hardships she faced.
“In the last seven months, I’ve been injured. I’ve been recovering. I’ve been dealing with some challenges back home in Israel with my family,” Cohen said. “So many things happened, and I think this was one of the hardest times of my life.”
Meanwhile, Cohen’s challenger is as tough as they come. The 27-year-old Brazilian captured the title by defeating Thai megastar Stamp Fairtex in her ONE debut. With three impressive wins in her ONE tenure, Rodrigues has proven her skill, and Cohen acknowledges the champion’s strengths.
“Rodrigues is very technical and very smart, and her Muay Thai weapons are very good. She’s very experienced as well. She is more experienced than me, especially under Muay Thai rules. And she’s very good and very strong,” Cohen said.
With over 50 amateur fights and 11 professional fights, Cohen is well-versed in handling pressure. In the biggest fight of her career, she wants to win not only for herself, but also for her teammate Stamp.
“I don’t feel pressure. It gives me more motivation because if I can get this for Stamp and for the team, I will feel proud of myself,” Cohen said.
“My footwork and my boxing [are my biggest advantages]. I want to win. It doesn’t matter how or what way. I will just see when we’re in there. I have a big goal inside of me, and I have to achieve this goal. I have to.”