“I dedicate this fight to them” - Alyona Rassohyna dedicates interim world title duel against Denice Zamboanga to Ukraine

Alyona Rassohyna is fighting for a bigger cause when she steps between the ropes at ONE Fight Night 27.

The Ukrainian star will face off against Denice Zamboanga for the right to hold the ONE interim women's atomweight MMA world title on Friday, US primetime, at the historic Lumpinee Stadium.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Rassohyna said challenging for the division's interim strap is her way to honor and motivate the people of Ukraine.

The Eastern European nation has been embroiled in a years-long conflict with Russia, and Rassohyna believes a world title win in Bangkok could be a glimmer of hope for her nation.

Alyona Rassohyna said:

"I consider every Ukrainian who lives in Ukraine and beyond, those who have been forced to leave Ukraine, all who fight, all who struggle, and all who believe that good must triumph, I dedicate this fight to them."

Rassohyna is the division's number four-ranked contender and was the first fighter to beat and submit reigning ONE women's atomweight MMA world champion Stamp Fairtex.

After giving birth and going through the difficulties of living in Ukraine, the 34-year-old is back in action and ready to pick up where she left off.

Rassohyna split her first two matches with Stamp, and she could head to a climactic trilogy fight for the undisputed ONE women's atomweight MMA world championship if she gets past Zamboanga.

ONE Fight Night 27 is ONE Championship's first Amazon card of the year and is available live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Alyona Rassohyna says she can't afford to let Denice Zamboanga get into a striking rhythm

Denice Zamboanga often relied on her grappling to establish her offense, yet Alyona Rassohyna believes the Filipino star is at her most dangerous when she gets into her boxing rhythm.

'The Menace' is a brawler at heart and would get into a barrage of strikes to throw her opponents off their groove during fights.

In an interview with ONE Championship, Rassohyna said she'd be at a disadvantage if Zamboanga established her presence in the striking department.

"I think Denice is good in both the stand-up and [on the ground]. She's well-rounded. You have to pay attention to her far arm. She's an accentuated long-arm hitter."