30-year-old Cristina Morales made an impact in ONE Championship last November when she put in a dominant showcase against Anna “Supergirl” Jaroonsak.
Now, that first-round TKO victory has earned her a crack at ONE atomweight Muay Thai champion Allycia Hellen Rodrigues at ONE Fight Night 20: Todd vs. Phetjeeja.
The co-main event at the Friday, Mar. 8, event will feature two mothers trying to take home gold while setting an example for women around the world.
“The woman I am fighting is also a mother, and I identify myself with her. We are proof that women can compete in the best leagues while being mothers,” Morales told ONE.
“Allycia is a strong fighter that is always pushing forward. She reminds me of myself. She fights until the end.”
“This fight will have great rhythm. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. Both fighters will do their best.”
The Spanish striker feels ready for the spotlight. After taking home many titles, including the ISKA K-1 atomweight world championship, she knows she is standing on the doorstep of her dream.
“To win this world championship would mean a lot to me, my family, and my country. I would achieve something I have dreamed of all my life. It is the reason training is hard every day. It would be a dream come true,” Morales remarked.
“It is important for me to show my kids what people can achieve with hard work.”
ONE Fight Night 20 will feature an all-female card – in celebration of International Women’s Day.
This motivates the 30-year-old striker to perform even more, as she wants to showcase that goals can be achieved regardless of the preconceived notions that society may have.
“I do not agree with people who believe women are not strong. We are very strong. When I fight, I feel strong. When I fight, I feel anything is possible,” Morales stated.
“To all women out there, I want to ask you to fight for your dreams. If you do it, it will come true.”
“To all the mothers out there, don’t give up on your dreams or your goals because of motherhood. It will make your bond with your family stronger.”
There is no greater audience for Morales than her children.
She is ready to leave everything inside the ring inside Bangkok, Thailand’s Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, to become a world champion and continue being someone her sons can look up to.
“I am proud to be a role model to my kids. I like to show them that I can work and compete in the sport I love,” Morales said.
“I want to be an example to them and let them see that they can do different things without giving up their studies or the sport. They should be capable of combining all their activities.”
ONE Fight Night 20 airs live and free on Prime Video on Friday, Mar. 8. The action begins at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST.