"The belt has to move on" - Alyona Rassohyna says interim belt is the correct choice in lieu of Stamp's injury

ONE women's atomweight MMA star Alyona Rassohyna applauded ONE Championship's decision to reactivate the division's interim gold after reigning queen Stamp Fairtex suffered an injury in May 2024.

Rassohyna will fight division stalwart Denice Zamboanga for 26 pounds of interim women's atomweight MMA gold at ONE Fight Night 27 on Friday, Jan. 10, inside the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

Speaking with the world's largest martial arts promotion, Rassohyna had this to say about the situation:

"Overall, I believe I deserve this fight, and the belt shouldn't just sit idle — it should move on."

Rassohyna continued:

"The reigning champion, once she recovers, can show a good enough fight. I felt sad about her injury. Of course, it's not a pleasant story. But the belt has to move on, it has to move. And while she recovers, the girls should show great fights and put on shows at cool tournaments."

Stamp tore the meniscus in her left knee while preparing to defend her throne against close friend Zamboanga at ONE 167 this past June.

Those worried about the 27-year-old's health, however, will be delighted to know that she expects to return to competition around March or April of this year.

---

Alyona Rassohyna bares her motivation for all-important clash with Denice Zamboanga

Alyona Rassohyna clawed her way to where she is today and recognizes that ONE Fight Night 27 will be her shot to solidify her greatness.

The Ukrainian standout explained in a separate interview with ONE:

"I feel like this is a chance to fulfill my potential - and I will definitely do it. For me, this interim belt is one of the big opportunities, a chance to realize myself on the way to the [undisputed] belt."

ONE Fight Night 27 will air live and free to all Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.