Following an impressive entrance into ONE Championship competition, Scotland`s Amy Pirnie has declared her ambition to challenge for the atomweight world title.
Pirnie made a sensational statement in her first ONE bout, knocking out Yu Yau Pui in just 49 seconds back in August.
This rapid and destructive performance was no accident. Pirnie explained, “It couldn`t have gone any smoother. My coaches break down my opponents and we put a game plan in place. We had worked on that shot for Yu and it landed on the button.”
“It was a plan that we put in place and we just executed it on the night really well. It couldn`t have gone any better,” she added.
“We were looking for the knockout. We knew that she was quite an aggressive fighter. The plan was to stop her in her tracks. It was successful.”
This performance was even more noteworthy as Pirnie was returning from what was nearly a retirement. She had been absent from the sport for almost three years due to various issues, including recovery from a persistent injury.
“It wasn`t intended to be as long as it was,” she reflected. “There was contemplation of just finishing on the high I was on.”
Pirnie is set to face Shir Cohen on the undercard of the Alexis Nicolas vs Regian Eersel rematch for the ONE lightweight kickboxing world title.
The fighter from Glasgow believes that a performance similar to her debut can pave her way towards a potential challenge against Allycia Rodrigues for the ONE atomweight Muay Thai world championship.
“I hope so. I made quite a big statement on my first one so I`m hoping to do the same in my second one and hopefully that does propel me closer to the title,” Pirnie stated. “Hopefully it will put me in line for a shot at the gold.
Regarding the reigning champion, Pirnie commented, “[Rodriguez], technically she`s very, very skillful and she`s got a lot of experience.”
“I`d love to fight her. It would be an awesome fight. I think it would be a really good mix of styles.”
The Brits are coming
UK fighters are increasingly making their presence felt in ONE Championship, which is recognized as the world`s largest platform for martial artists.
Legendary kickboxer Liam Harrison has retired from Muay Thai. Jonathan Haggerty, while recently losing his Muay Thai title to Superlek, remains the ONE bantamweight kickboxing world champion and continues to compete at the highest level.
Furthermore, a wave of Glaswegian fighters is also aiming to make a significant impression. Alongside Pirnie, fellow fighters Nico Carrillo and Stephen Irvine from the city are climbing the ranks and seeking their opportunities for title shots.
